Senegal

PROFILE
GEOGRAPHY
PEOPLE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
ECONOMY
DEFENSE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-SENEGALESE RELATIONS
TRAVEL

Compiled from the December 2007 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:

Republic of Senegal

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 196,840 sq. km. (76,000 sq. mi.), about the size of South Dakota.

Cities: Capital—Dakar. Other cities—Diourbel, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Rufisque, Saint-Louis, Thies, Tambacounda, Ziguinchor, Fatick, Matam, Kedougou, Sedhiou.

Terrain: Flat or rising to foothills.

Climate: Tropical/Sahelian—desert or grasslands in the north, heavier vegetation in the south and southeast.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Senegalese (sing. and pl.).

Population: (2007 est.) 12,521,851.

Annual growth rate: 2%.

Ethnic groups: Wolof 43%; Fulani (Peulh) and Toucouleur 23%; Serer 15%; Diola, Mandingo, and others 19%.

Religions: Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, traditional 1%.

Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Diola, Mandingo, Soninke.

Education: Attendance—primary 75.8%, middle school 26.5%, secondary 11% (estimated). Literacy—50.7%.

Health: Infant mortality rate—60.15/1,000. Life expectancy—56.69 yrs.

Work force: (4.0 million) Agriculture—70% (subsistence or cash crops). Wage earners (350,000) private sector 61%, government and parapublic 39%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: April 4, 1960.

Constitution: March 3, 1963, last amended in 2001.

Government branches: Executive—President (chief of state, commander in chief of armed forces). Legislative—Bi-cameral parliament with a 150 member National Assembly and a 100 member Senate. Judicial—Constitutional Council (appointed by the president from senior magistrates and eminent academics and attorneys), Court of Final Appeals, Council of State.

Political subdivisions: 14 regions, 34 departments, 320 rural councils.

Political parties: 72 political parties are registered, the most important of which are the Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS), Rewmi, Socialist Party (PS), the Alliance of Forces for Progress (AFP), "AND JEF/PADS", the Union for Democratic Renewal (URD), "JEF JEL", the National Democratic Rally (RND), and the Independence and Labor Party (PIT).

Suffrage: Universal adult, over 18.

Budget: (2007) revenues: $2.948 billion; expenditures: $3.036 billion; including capital expenditures of $1.302 billion

Defense: (2007) $133 million

National holidays: April 4, Independence Day.

Economy

GDP: (2006) $10.6 billion

Real annual growth rate: 5.0 % (2007 estimate)

Per capita GDP: (2006) $700—in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) $1,800 (2006).

Natural resources: Fish, peanuts, phosphate, iron ore, gold, titanium, oil and gas, cotton.

Primary sector: Agriculture represents 17.6% of GDP. Products—peanuts, millet, sorghum, manioc, rice, cotton, vegetables and flowers, fruit.

Secondary sector: 21.4% of GDP, of which industry and mining represent 14% of GDP. Types—fishing; agricultural product processing; light manufacturing; mining including energy, oil mining, and construction.

Tertiary sector: 61.0 % of GDP of which services represent 40% of GDP and trade 22% of GDP.

Trade: (2006) Exports—$1.407 billion (fish products, peanut products, phosphate products). Major markets—France, other European Union, West African CFA zone. Imports—$3.040 billion (food, consumer goods, petroleum, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, computer equipment). Major suppliers—France, Nigeria, Cameroon, United States.

Exchange rate: Fixed to the euro. African Financial Community (CFA) 656 CFA =1 euro.

Economic aid received: In October 2007, major donors pledged approximately $4 billion in assistance for the next four years; U.S. assistance was around $55 million in 2007.

GEOGRAPHY

Senegal is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The Gambia penetrates more than 320 kilometers (200 mi.) into Senegal. Well-defined dry and humid seasons result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. Dakar's annual rainfall of about 61 centimeters (24 in.) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures average 27°C (82°F); December to February minimum temperatures are about 17°C (63°F). Interior temperatures are higher than along the coast, and rainfall increases substantially farther south, exceeding 150 centimeters (60 in.) annually in some areas.

PEOPLE

About 75% of Senegal's population is rural. In rural areas, density varies from about 77 per square kilometer (200 per sq. mi.) in the west-central region to 2 per square kilometer (5 per sq. mi.) in the arid eastern section. About 50,000 Europeans (mostly French) and Lebanese reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities. French is the official language but is used regularly only by the literate minority. All Senegalese speak an indigenous language, of which Wolof has the largest usage.

HISTORY

Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Islam established itself in the Senegal River valley in the 11th century; 95% of Senegalese today are Muslims. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the Mandingo empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal also was founded during this time.

In January 1959, Senegal and the French Soudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960, as a result of the independence and the transfer of power agreement signed with France on April 4, 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation broke up on August 20, 1960. Senegal and Soudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) proclaimed independence. Leopold Sedar Senghor, internationally known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected Senegal's first President in August 1960.

After the breakup of the Mali Federation, President Senghor and Prime Minister Mamadou Dia governed together under a parliamentary system. In December 1962, their political rivalry led to an attempted coup by Prime Minister Dia. Although this was put down without bloodshed, Dia was arrested and imprisoned, and Senegal adopted a new constitution that consolidated the President's power. In 1980, President Senghor decided to retire from politics, and he handed over power in 1981 to his handpicked successor, Abdou Diouf. Abdou Diouf was President from 1981-2000. He encouraged broader political participation, reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened. Diouf served four terms as President. In the presidential election of 2000, he was defeated, in a free and fair election, by opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one political party to another. Parliamentary and presidential elections were held in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Senegal is a secular republic with a strong presidency, bi-cameral legislature, reasonably independent judiciary, and multiple political parties. Senegal is one of the few African states that has never experienced a coup d'état. As noted above, power was transferred peacefully, if not altogether democratically, from Senghor to Diouf in 1981, and once again, this time in fully democratic elections, from Diouf to Wade in March 2000.

The president is elected by universal adult suffrage to a 5-year term. The Bi-cameral Parliament has a National Assembly with 150 members, who are elected separately from the president and a Senate with 100 members of which 35 are elected and 65 are chosen by the President. The Socialist Party dominated the National Assembly until April 2001, when in free and fair legislative elections President Wade's coalition won a majority (89 of 120 seats). The Cour de Cassation (Highest Appeals Court, equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court) and the Constitutional Council, the justices of which are named by the president, are the nation's highest tribunals. Senegal is divided into 14 administrative regions, each headed by a governor appointed by and responsible to the president. The law on decentralization, which came into effect in January 1997, distributed significant central government authority to regional assemblies.

Senegal's principal political party was for 40 years the Socialist Party (PS). Its domination of political life came to an end in March 2000, when Abdoulaye Wade, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and leader of the opposition for more than 25 years, won the presidency. Under the terms of the 2001 constitu-

tion, future presidents will serve for 5 years and be limited to two terms. Wade was the last President to be elected to a 7-year term.

On February 25, 2007 President Abdoulaye Wade (pronounced “wahd”) won 56 percent of the vote in a field of 15 candidates, with 73 percent of registered voters going to the polls. Twice-postponed parliamentary elections took place on June 3, but most of the major opposition parties boycotted them, allowing the ruling Senegalese Democratic party (PDS) and its allies to capture 131 of the 150 seats in the National Assembly that met for the first time on June 20. In 2000 and 2007, Wade won open, peaceful and highly competitive elections due to a strong Senegalese national desire for change after nearly 40 years of Socialist Party governments. Having come under tough scrutiny and criticism for not having realized many of his campaign promises, he has undertaken major public works projects that benefited him politically.

President Wade has advanced a liberal agenda for Senegal, including privatizations and other market-opening measures. He has a strong interest in raising Senegal's regional and international profile. The country, nevertheless, has limited means with which to implement ambitious ideas. The liberalization of the economy is proceeding, but at a slow pace. Senegal continues to play a significant role in regional and international organizations. President Wade has made excellent relations with the United States a high priority.

There are presently 72 registered political parties, most of which are marginal and little more than platforms for their leaders. The principal political parties, however, constitute a true multiparty, democratic political culture, and they have contributed to one of the most successful democratic transitions in Africa, even among all developing countries. A flourishing independent media, largely free from official or informal control, also contributes to the democratic politics of Senegal. The country's generally tolerant culture, largely free from ethnic or religious tensions, has provided a resilient base for democratic politics.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 2/1/2008

Pres.: Abdoulaye WADE

Prime Min.: Cheikh Hadjibou SOUMARE

Min. of Armed Forces: Becaye DIOP

Min. of Civil Service, Labor, & Professional Orgs.: Innocence NTAB

Min. of Competitiveness & Good Governance: Fatou DIAGNE

Min. of Craft Industry, Mining, & Industry: Madicke NIANG

Min. of Culture & Listed Historic Heritage: Birame DIOUF

Min. of Decentralization & Local Development: Ousmane Masseck NDIAYE

Min. of Economy & Finance: Abdoulaye DIOP

Min. of Education: Moustapha SOURANG

Min. of Energy: Samuel Ameth SARR

Min. of Environment & Conservation: Souleymane Ndene NDIAYE

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Cheikh Tidiane GADIO

Min. of Health & Medical Prevention: Issa Mbaye SAMB

Min. of Information, Institutional Relations, & Govt. Spokesperson: Bacar DIA

Min. of Infrastructure, Urban Hydraulics, & Sanitation: Habib SY

Min. of Interior: Ousmane NGOM

Min. of Justice: Cheikh Tidiane SY

Min. of Land & Air Transportation: Farba SENGHOR

Min. of Living Environment & Public Health:

Min. of Maritime Economy: Djibo LEYTIKA

Min. of Microfinance & Decentralized Cooperation: Abdourahim AGNE

Min. of National Languages & Francophonie: Mamadou MAKALOU

Min. of National Solidarity: Fatou Bintou Taya NDIAYE

Min. of Rural Development & Agriculture: Amath SALL

Min. of Rural Hydraulics, National River System, Retention Basins, & Artificial Lakes: Adama SALL

Min. of Sports: El Hadj Daouda FAYE

Min. of Technical Education & Vocational Training: Diame SIGNATE

Min. of Telecommunications, Posts & Information & Communication Technologies: Sophie Gladima SIBY

Min. of Tourism: Fatou GASSAMA

Min. of Urban Planning, Housing, & Construction: Oumar SARR

Min. of Women's Affairs & Entrepreneurship: Awa NDIAYE

Min. of Youth & Employment: Mamadou Lamine KEITA

Ambassador to the US: Amadou BA

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Paul BADJI

Senegal maintains an embassy in the United States at 2112 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-234-0540), and a Mission to the United Nations at 392 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10018 (tel. 212-517-9030).

ECONOMY

The former capital of French West Africa, Senegal is a semi-arid country located on the westernmost point of Africa. Predominantly rural and with limited natural resources, the country earns foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, peanuts, tourism, and services. Its economy is highly vulnerable to variations in rainfall and changes in world commodity prices. Senegal depends heavily on foreign assistance, which in 2007 represented about 23% of overall government spending—including both current expenditures and capital investments—or African Financial Community (CFA) 315 billion (U.S.$630 million).

The fishing sector has replaced the groundnut sector as Senegal's export leader. Its export earnings reached $249 million in 2005. The industrial fishing operations struggle with high costs, and Senegalese tuna is rapidly losing the French market to more efficient Asian competitors.

Phosphate production, the second major foreign exchange earner, has been steady at about $230 million (around 1500 tons). Exports of peanut products reached $63 million in 2003. Peanut production has decreased by 30%, one of its lowest levels. Receipts from tourism, the fourth major foreign exchange earner, have picked up since the January 1994 devaluation. Today, tourism constitute between 5 and 6% of national income. Senegal has about 250 tourist class hotels and the sector employs about 100.000 people.

Senegal's Agency for the Promotion of Investment (APIX) plays an important role in the government's foreign investment program. Its objective is to increase the investment rate from its current level of 20.6% to 30%. Currently, there are no restrictions on the transfer or repatriation of capital and income earned, or investment financed with convertible foreign exchange.

Direct U.S. investment in Senegal remains about $38 million, mainly in petroleum marketing, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, chemicals, and banking. Economic assistance comes largely from France, the IMF, the World Bank, and the United States. The European Union, the African Development bank, China, Canada, Spain, Japan, and Germany also provide fund significant aid programs.

Senegal has well-developed though costly port facilities, an international airport serving 28 international airlines that serves as a regional hub, and a reasonable telecommunications infrastructure, including a fiber optics backbone and cellular phone penetration approaching 15% of the population.

DEFENSE

Senegal has well-trained and disciplined armed forces consisting of about 17,000 personnel in the army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. The Senegalese military force receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States. Germany also provides support but on a smaller scale. Military noninterference in political affairs has contributed to Senegal's stability since independence.

Senegal has participated in many international and regional peacekeeping missions. Its history of participation in peacekeeping is impressive. Most recently, Senegal provided peacekeeping forces for the African Union (AU) mission in Dar-fur, Sudan (AMIS), the UN mission in Liberia (UNIMIL), and the UN mission in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOMCI), where Lieutenant General Abdou-laye. Fall, who is now Chief of Defense of the Senegalese Armed Forces, was the Force Commander. In 2000, Senegal sent a battalion to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in MONUC, the UN peacekeeping mission, and agreed to deploy a U.S.-trained battalion to Sierra Leone to participate in UNAMSIL, another UN peacekeeping mission. A Senegalese contingent was deployed on a peacekeeping mission to the Central African Republic in 1997, and in 1994, Senegal sent a battalion-sized force to Rwanda to participate in the UN peacekeeping mission there. In 1992 Senegal sent 1,500 men to the ECOMOG peacekeeping group in Liberia, and in 1991, it was the only Sub-Saharan nation to send a contingent to participate in Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East.

In August 1981, the Senegalese military was invited into The Gambia by President Dawda Kairaba Jawara to put down a coup attempt. In August 1989, Senegalese-Gambian military cooperation, which began with the joint Senegalese-Gambian efforts during the 1981 coup attempt, ceased with the dissolution of the Senegam-bian Confederation. Senegal intervened in the Guinea-Bissau civil war in 1998 at the request of former President Vieira.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

President Senghor advocated close relations with France and negotiation and compromise as the best means of resolving international differences. To a large extent, the two succeeding Presidents have carried on Senghor's policies and philosophies. Senegal has long supported functional integration among French-speaking West African states through the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Senegal has a high profile in many international organizations and was a member of the UN Security Council in 1988-89. It was elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 1997. Friendly to the West, especially to France and to the U.S., Senegal also is a vigorous proponent of more assistance from developed countries to the Third World. Senegal enjoys mostly cordial relations with its neighbors. Clear progress have been made on many fronts with Mauritania to include border security, resource management, economic integration and the return of an estimated 30,000 Afro-Mauritanian refugees living in Senegal.

U.S.-SENEGALESE RELATIONS

Senegal enjoys an excellent relationship with the United States. The Government of Senegal is known and respected for its able diplomats and has often supported the U.S. in the United Nations, including with troop contributions for peacekeeping activities. The United States maintains friendly relations with Senegal and provides considerable economic and technical assistance. About 300 Senegalese students come to the United States each year for study. President Diouf paid his first official visit to Washington, DC, in August 1983 and traveled several times to the U.S. thereafter. Senegal was President George W. Bush's first stop in his July 2003 visit to Africa. In June 2001, President Wade met President Bush at the White House. Senegal hosted the Second African-African American Summit in 1995.

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton began her trip to Africa in March 1997 with a visit to Senegal, and President Bill Clinton visited Senegal in 1998. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Walter Kansteiner visited Senegal in August 2001. Foreign Minister Gadio met Secretary of State Colin Powell in September and November 2001.

Senegal took a strong position against terrorism in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the U.S., and in October 2001 hosted a conference establishing the African Pact Against Terrorism. On July 20, 2005, Secretary Rice attended the fourth annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Dakar, Senegal. That year's Forum focused on increasing investment initiatives and facilitating economic and political development in Africa. In June 2007, First Lady Laura Bush made Senegal her first stop during a four country Africa tour in support of the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) implements the U.S. Government's development assistance program. USAID's strategy focuses on promoting economic growth/private sector development by expanding microfinance and business development services and commercializing natural and non-traditional products; improving local delivery of services and sustainable use of resources; increasing use of decentralized health services; and improving middle school education, especially for girls. In addition, there is a conflict resolution and rehabilitation program to improve conditions for peace in Senegal's two southern regions known as the “Casamance”. USAID will provide $29.9 million in development assistance to Senegal in fiscal year 2005.

The Peace Corps program in Senegal has approximately 150 volunteers serving in agriculture, forestry, health, and small business development. The U.S. Embassy's Cultural Affairs Section administers the Fulbright, Humphrey, and International Visitor exchange programs. The Fulbright teacher, researcher, and lecturer programs are two-way exchanges, hence the section also supports American grantees in Senegal during their stay. In addition to exchanges, the section organizes numerous programs for the Senegalese public including U.S. speaker programs, fine arts programs, film festivals, and a book club. Finally, the section organizes an annual regional colloquium for American Studies professionals, journalists, and civic leaders from over 15 countries in Africa.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Last Updated: 2/19/2008

DAKAR (E) Ave. Jean XXIII, P.O. Box 49, APO/FPO 2130 Dakar Place, Dulles, VA 20189-2130, 221-33-823-4296, Fax 221-33-822-2991, INMAR-SAT Tel 761-359-425, Workweek: M-Th, 0800-1730 F 0800-1300, Website: http://dakar.usembassy.gov.

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

November 8, 2007

Country Description: Senegal is a developing west African country. The capital is Dakar and French is the official language, although Wolof is the most widely spoken language. Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality.

Entry Requirements: A passport is required. For U.S. passport holders, a visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. Current yellow fever, cholera, and meningitis vaccinations are required if the traveler is arriving from or has recently traveled to an endemic area. Travelers unable to provide proof of vaccinations may be required to pay for and receive vaccinations at the Dakar airport. Travelers should obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 234-0540, and at the Senegal Tourism Authority's official web site, http://www.senegal-tourism.com. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate.

Safety and Security: Public demonstrations, political gatherings, and student protests are relatively common in Senegal, both in Dakar and in outlying regions, particularly on Friday afternoons. In the past, these events have sometimes turned violent. Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings, street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times. For guidelines on dealing safely with public demonstrations, please see the American Citizen Services page of the U.S. Embassy Dakar website at http://dakar.usembassy.gov/service.html.

Lac Rose (Pink Lake) is a popular tourist destination in Senegal. The Lac Rose area has a large number of tourists, isolated beach areas, but lacks multiple exit and entry points. The U.S. Embassy recommends that all visitors to Lac Rose and its surrounding beaches be particularly vigilant and not travel alone, especially at night.

Banditry occurs with some regularity on the main highways after dark, particularly in the central and eastern area of Senegal, including around Tambacounda and Matam. Bandits often target RN2 (National Road) between Ndioum and Kidira and occasionally target RN1 between Kidira and Tambacounda. In February 2007, prisoners escaped from a Guinean prison and may be in the region along the border with Senegal near Kedougou.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel to the Casamance (composed of the Ziguinchor and Kolda region) west of the city of Kolda, except direct air travel to the Cap Skirring resort area or to the city of Ziguinchor.

If travel is deemed essential, the U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens carefully monitor the security situation before traveling. During the early part of 2007, there was an increase in fighting in parts of the Casamance region involving factions of the separatist MFDC (Mouvement des Forces Démocratiques de la Casamance) and the Senegalese military. Two political figures in the Casamance region were killed in 2006/ 2007. Reports of banditry in the area have sporadically increased with occasional vehicle attacks by armed bandits during daylight hours on well-traveled roads. On February 14, 2007, four people were injured when their vehicle did not stop at an impromptu roadblock.

Handicap International, a non-governmental organization, recorded at least 17 incidents involving land mines in the Casamance in 2004, 10 incidents in 2005, 13 in 2006 and one to date in 2007. Since 1990, more than 695 people have been injured or killed by land mines in the Casamance.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remain on well-traveled routes at all times.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts including the Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

Crime: While incidents of violence in Senegal are rare, minor street crime is very common, particularly in cities. Most reported incidents involve pickpockets and purse-snatchers, who are especially active in large crowds and around tourists. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers and street children may attempt to divert your attention while an accomplice prepares to rob you. To avoid theft, U.S. citizens should avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, particularly at night, lock their doors and close their windows when driving, and avoid public transportation. Americans should not walk on dark streets at night, even in groups. To minimize inconvenience in the event of theft, U.S. citizens should carry copies, preferably notarized, of their passports and other identification documents, rather than originals. U.S. citizens should carry a credit card only if it will be used soon, rather than carrying it as a routine practice. There is traditionally an increase in crime before major religious holidays.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to use common sense and situational awareness to ensure personal safety and to reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim. Always be aware of the surroundings, especially in large cities and crowded places such as markets and taxi parks. Keep a low profile, remain vigilant, and avoid potential conflict situations. Do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and be cautious about displaying any amount of currency in public. Use common sense when faced with something out of the ordinary or if someone is following you.

Although violent crime is not common in Senegal, it does occur. There have been incidents in recent months of Americans in groups of two or three being robbed at knife-point on isolated, dark streets late at night. If confronted by criminals, remember that cash and valuables can be replaced, but life and health cannot. U.S. citizens are encouraged to walk away from a criminal confrontation no matter the material cost. Fraud is prevalent in Senegal and U.S. citizens are often the target of scams that may cause both financial loss and physical harm. Typically, business scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by email) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of West Africa. The perpetrators of these scams often claim to be victims of various western African conflicts (notably refugees from Sierra Leone) or relatives of present or former political leaders.

There are many variations of these business scams. In some cases, a series of “advance fees” must be paid in order to conclude the transaction, such as fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist since the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. Another common variation consists of a request for the U.S. citizen's bank account information, purportedly to transfer money into the account. Once the perpetrator obtains this information, however, he or she then simply transfers all money out of the victim's account. Other variations include apparently legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts and offers to sell gold at a very low price. In the last case, the seller may present real gold to be verified then substitute fake gold and disappear with the payment.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud or business scam is to use common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam. You should carefully research any unsolicited business proposal originating in Senegal before you commit funds, provide goods or services, or undertake travel. For additional information, see the Department of State's brochure, International Financial Scams.

Visa scams take advantage of people who wish to travel to the U.S. Generally, these scams “guarantee” a U.S. visa for participants who pay a large sum of money to register for a conference or attend an event in the United States. In fact, only consular officers of the U.S. State Department may issue visas, so any offer that guarantees a U.S. visa is a scam.

In addition to business and visa scams, personal and dating scams are also prevalent. U.S. citizens should be wary of persons claiming to live in Senegal who profess friendship or romantic interest over the Internet. A chat or e-mail exchange which quickly moves to discussion of intimate matters is often an indication of a scam. Beware of any request or appeal for money.

In a typical personal scam, the scammer typically asks the U.S. citizen to send money for essential purposes: living or travel expenses, medical treatment, visa costs or bribes to free unjustly imprisoned family members. Scammers often claim emergency circumstances, hoping that the intended victim will send money quickly and without careful consideration. Many variations of these scams exist, all with the principal goal of soliciting money from the U.S. citizen. Several U.S. citizens in West Africa have reported losing thousands of dollars through such scams. The anonymity of the Internet means that the U.S. citizen cannot be sure of the real name, age, marital status, nationality or even gender of the correspondent. In some cases, the correspondent is a fictitious persona created only to lure the U.S. citizen into sending money.

U.S. citizens may prepay for a plane ticket directly with an airline rather than wiring money for transportation to the traveler. U.S. citizens may also research the legitimate immigration process with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The is http://www.uscis.gov.

U.S. citizens who are victims or witnesses of a crime are encouraged to report crimes to the police by telephoning “17,” Senegal's police hotline. The Government of Senegal has also created a tourist police unit, which may be reached at (+221) 33-860-3810.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Several hospitals and clinics in the capital, Dakar, can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses. There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care and limited office-based psychiatry. Public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards. Medical facilities outside Dakar are limited.

French medications are far more readily available than American drugs, and drugs in stock are often listed under the French trade name. Medications may be obtained at pharmacies throughout Dakar and in other areas frequented by tourists, and are usually less expensive than in the U.S. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Senegal. Each traveler should consult his or her physician to discuss the benefits and risks of taking anti-malarial medication. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial medications they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.

Water supplies in Senegal are not consistently free of disease-causing microorganisms. For this reason, the Embassy recommends drinking filtered or boiled water, particularly for babies under one year of age. Raw vegetables and fruits should be washed in a solution of bleach before eating.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Senegal is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in Senegal is very different from driving in the United States. Many U.S. citizens find the traffic in Senegal chaotic, particularly in Dakar. Drivers tend to exceed speed limits, follow other vehicles closely, ignore lane markings and attempt to pass even when facing oncoming traffic. Many vehicles are not well-maintained; headlights may be either extremely dim or not used at all. Roadways are poorly lit and poorly marked and many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Some roads have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic; others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. Due to limited street lighting, pedestrians are difficult to see at night. Drivers in both rural and urban areas may expect to frequently encounter and share the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, livestock and animal carts. Caution and defensive driving techniques are strongly recommended.

While most main roads in Senegal are in relatively good condition for daytime driving, smaller roads are poor by American standards. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Travelers may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where their vehicles and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads. Due to poor road conditions and the risk of crime, driving outside major cities at night is not recommended. Due to language barriers (outside Dakar, relatively few Senegalese speak French) and the lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult in the event of distress.

For safety reasons, the Embassy recommends against the use of motorbikes, van taxis (“cars rapides”), and public transportation. They can be dangerous due to overloading, careless driving, inadequate maintenance, and the lack of basic safety equipment such as seat belts. Regulated orange-striped sedan auto taxis are safer, but make sure to agree on a fare before beginning the trip.

In Senegal, one drives on the right-hand side. Vehicles give priority to traffic coming from the right, except at traffic circles, where vehicles already in the circle have the right of way. Before January 2005, however, cars entering traffic circles had the right of way. This change is not well known, so drivers should exercise extreme caution at traffic circles.

All drivers are expected to carry the following documents in their vehicles and present them at any time at the request of the police: (1) valid driver's license; (2) valid insurance papers; (3) vehicle registration/immatriculation card (“carte grise”); (4) “vignette” tax disc for the current year; and (5) valid identification. If Americans carry a copy of their U.S. passport, the copy must be clear enough to identify the driver of the vehicle.

Third-party insurance is required for all drivers in Senegal. In an accident, a driver's third-party insurance only covers damages to the other driver and his/her vehicle. Third-party insurance does not cover damages or injuries to the at-fault driver. In other words, if you are involved in an accident resulting in injuries and you are not at fault, this insurance will cover the cost of damages to the other driver and vehicle.

However, if you are at fault, your third-party insurance will only cover all damage to the other driver and his/her vehicle, and you will have to pay for damages to your own vehicle yourself or through additional insurance.

If the accident results in a death and you are at fault, the Senegalese court will decide the penalty involved. The penalty can involve imprisonment if the accident is related to drunk driving.

Senegalese law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, unless the driver is using “hands-free”equipment. Protective helmets are mandatory for all bicycle, moped, scooter and motorcycle drivers/riders and passengers.

When police officers stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, the police officer will generally confiscate the driver's license or ID card until the fine is paid. We encourage you to comply with the request. Sometimes, police officers try to solicit bribes instead of or in addition to the fine. The U.S. Embassy does not encourage paying bribes. Visit the website of the country's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.senegal-tourism.com.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Senegal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Senegal's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: Senegalese law requires that all persons carry personal identification at all times, and all Senegalese law enforcement officials have the authority to challenge suspicious activity and to request personal identification. Be aware that they may request personal identification even without cause, which is generally not the case in the U.S. If a U.S. citizen does not cooperate and provide identification, s/he may be detained for up to 48 hours without the filing of formal charges.

The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification by Senegalese authorities of the arrest of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a notarized copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available. If arrested, U.S. citizens should always ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy. You may not bring several types of items into Senegal without clearance by Senegalese customs officials: these include computers and computer parts, video cameras and players, stereo equipment, tape players, auto parts, and various tools and spare parts. Airport customs officials may hold such items if brought in as baggage or carry-on luggage. Travelers should check with the Embassy of Senegal in Washington, DC, regarding these restrictions.

Senegalese customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, call (212) 354-4480, send an email to [email protected], or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

Travelers can obtain cash from some ATMs in Senegal. Travelers can get cash and/or traveler's checks through international credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa, and American Express, by presenting their credit card at a local financial institution sponsoring their card. Travelers can transfer cash through Western Union and Moneygram.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country'S laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protecions available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.

Persons violatingSenegalese laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Senegalare severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Registration and Embassy Locations: Americans living or traveling inSenegal are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Senegal.Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 33 823-4296; after hours (221) 33 823-4604. The U.S. Embassy web site is http://dakar.usembassy.gov.

International Adoption

January 2008

The information in this section has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Please Note: Senegalese adoption law states that only individuals who are unable to have biological children may adopt a child. However, the President of the Republic can grant an exemption, which must be obtained before filing a request to adopt with the Regional Court of Dakar.

If an individual is seeking to adopt his or her spouse's children, the law requires that the couple not yet have any children from their union on the day they file their request. Couples who cannot have children due to medical reasons are given priority. According to the Senegalese adoption law, children from three months to 18 years old may be adopted.

Patterns of Immigration: Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics indicate that only three immigrant visas have been issued to Senegalese orphans in the last five fiscal years.

Adoption Authority: The Ministry of Justice, Office of Open-System Educative Action and Social Welfare (Office de Action Educative au Milieu Ouvert—AEMO) is responsible for intercountry adoptions in Senegal. Adoption laws are outlined in the Senegalese Family Code (Code de la Famille).

Coordination AEMO
Ministere de la Justice
Bloc des Madeleines
Dakar, Senegal
The Dakar AEMO Regional Coordinator is SECK, Daouda
Website: http://www.justice.gouv.sn/
Tel: (221) 821-5720

Types Of Adoption: There are two types of adoptions in Senegal: simple adoption and full adoption.

In a simple adoption, the adopted child does not change his/her family name and the child's age can range from three months to 18 years. (Please note that in order to meet the definition of orphan under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the child must be adopted while under the age of 16 or, if over the age of 16, must be adopted concurrently with a sibling who is under the age of 16.)

The ties of the child to his/her birth family are not severed and the child may continue to have contact with his or her biological family. Simple adoptions are revocable.

In contrast, full adoptions are irrevocable and are granted when one or both parents have died and any living biological parent has irrevocably severed ties with the child. In order to complete an intercountry adoption in Senegal, prospective adoptive parents are encouraged to obtain a full adoption rather than a simple adoption. If a simple adoption is obtained, the adoption court order should indicate that the child is released for emigration. In order to adopt, the prospective adoptive parents must have a local attorney and meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents: According to Senegal's adoption law, the adoption must meet the following criteria:

• the adoption should benefit the child;
• the child should be under the age 18 and not emancipated (under 16 to immigrate to U.S.);
• the adoption must be with the full consent of the child if s/he is 15 years old or older, unless s/he is mentally disabled;
• the adoptive parents must be 15 years older than the child to be adopted. In the case of step-children, the required age difference is 10 years;
• the adoptive parents applying jointly have to be married more than five years, are not legally or voluntarily separated, and one of the them is at least 30 years old. Unmarried adoptive parents must be 35 years or older. The rules are the same for single men as for single women.

Residency Requirements: According to AEMO, there are no residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents.

Time Frame: There are no fixed timelines for adopting a child in Senegal. According to Senegalese authorities, the adoption process can take from one to three years to complete.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: Only full adoption is recognized for U.S. immigration purposes. There are no adoption service providers (i.e., adoption agencies or facilitators) in Senegal. A local attorney is required to handle all of the requisite legal paperwork. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any attorneys or organizations that specialize in adoptions.

Adoption Fees: The fee for issuing an adoption court order is 6,000 West African Francs (CFAF) or approximately $12. This does not include additional fees that may be incurred for the attorney's time, translation, and other expenses.

Adoption Procedures: Once prospective adoptive parents are cleared for adoption in their home state and have completed the initial processing requirements of the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, the next step is to submit an official request with the intent to adopt to the Regional Court of Dakar. Prospective adoptive parents do not have to be physically present in Senegal to submit a request. An attorney representing them may do so on their behalf. In this request, prospective parents may express preferences regarding the age and sex of the child they wish to adopt; however, that does not mean that their preferences will be honored. Prospective adoptive parents may not select a child in advance.

Once the Senegalese government approves their request, the prospective adoptive parents will have to wait for a child to become available. Then, they will receive a letter from the Regional Court of Dakar telling them that a child has become available and when they can travel to Senegal to meet the child and complete the remaining legal procedures. The letter also includes information about the sex and age of the child. No medical information is provided unless it is requested. If the prospective adoptive parents are not able to travel to Senegal for their appointment, they will be given a new appointment. If they miss the second appointment, AEMO will offer the child to another family.

According to AEMO, it is not mandatory for both prospective adoptive parents to travel to Senegal to escort the child. Once the prospective adoptive parents arrive in the country, they need to meet with the adoption judge at the Regional Court of Dakar in the Justice Minister's office, who personally issues the adoption court orders that parents use to obtain the release of the adopted child from the orphanage. According to AEMO, prospective adoptive parents cannot visit the child before the court order is issued.

After prospective adoptive parents have seen the child, they have three options: 1) take the child out of the orphanage; 2) leave the child at the orphanage and visit daily in order to bond with the child; or 3) reject the child. For the second option, parents may choose to stay at the orphanage until they leave the country, but they will have to make their own arrangements with the orphanage staff. The prospective adoptive parents may decline the child, but they will not be allowed to adopt another child in Senegal and their approved adoption request and court order will be immediately revoked.

Prospective adoptive parents will receive a birth for the child from the Senegalese government with a Christian and Muslim name. This birth certificate will enable the adoptive parents to apply for a certificate of citizenship and a Senegalese passport. Prospective adoptive parents may submit a request to the Regional Court of Dakar to change the child's name after the child has been officially adopted. The new name will have to be recorded in the appropriate birth register. If the prospective adoptive parents decide to change the child's name, they may apply for the child's passport after this process has been completed.

The adoption process for Senegalese citizens wishing to adopt in Senegal may be different than the one described above, and Americans who are also citizens of Senegal should consult a local attorney for assistance.

Required Documents: All documents should be notarized and translated into French.

• Certified true copies of the adopting parent(s)' birth certificates;
• Adoptive parents' police record or certification of the lack thereof;
• Certified true copies of the adopting parents' marriage certificate, if applicable;
• Notarized Copies of each Prospective Adoptive Parent's Passport;
• Financial documents of the adopting parents (employment records, documentation of assets, retirement and social security);
• Approved I-600A from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Home study performed by a licensed agent/agency in the prospective parents' U.S. state of residence;
• A letter addressed to the President of the Regional Court of Dakar;
• A medical certificate certifying that the couple cannot have biological children or an exemption from the President of the Republic for those who have biological children.

U.S. Immigration Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions.

Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

U.S. Embassy
Avenue Jean XXIII, angle Rue
Jacques Bugnicourt—BP 49
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: (221) 823-4296
Fax: (221) 822-5903
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Consular Section
2130 Dakar Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-2130

International Mailing Address:
U.S. Embassy-Consular Section
Avenue Jean XXIII, angle Rue
Jacques Bugnicourt—BP 49
Dakar, Senegal

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in Senegal may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. General questions regarding intercountry adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-404-4747.