In Saint-Louis, an unexpected monetary crisis complicates the daily lives of the inhabitants: the 250 FCFA piece is massively rejected. In shops, public transport, certain pharmacies and even in local banks, this room has become unusable. The phenomenon, relayed by viral complaints on social networks, plunges Saint-Louisiens into incomprehension and annoyance, while the economic situation is already difficult.
Our findings in the field confirm this rejection. On a bus leading to the Tendjiguen market, a receiver refused a 250 FCFA piece without explaining the reason. Same thing at the market, where sellers refuse to talk about it, contenting themselves with a laconic “we do not accept it”. For users, it is exasperation. “Even a pharmacy made me my play,” said a mother. “There is no text prohibiting this piece. You can’t refuse money during a crisis! She calls the authorities, notably Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, to intervene.
On the side of traders, we reject the fault on the banks. “With each deposit, they refuse the parts of 250, 200 and even 500 FCFA. What do you want us to do with it? », Lands up Mansour Gueye, seller at the market. Boubacar Barry, manager of a fast food, confirms: “I send my pieces in Dakar or Louga to get rid of it. However, the BCEAO had already reacted in 2021, saying that these pieces are still valid. A meeting with traders had even been organized. Despite this, the problem persists. In the absence of concrete measures, the inhabitants of Saint-Louis continue to undergo a monetary exclusion as absurd as they are penalizing.
