(SenePlus) – The new Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye is making his first visit to France since his election. A highly anticipated visit, in a context of tense relations with the former French ally, according to expert Pape Ibrahima Kane interviewed by RFI.
For Kane, this meeting with Emmanuel Macron is crucial because “they still have a lot of things to say to each other”. Especially since the French president is “going through some political difficulties” while Senegal is experiencing “an economic situation that is not at all good.”
Before considering the future, it will first be necessary to “purge the past”, believes Kane. A month earlier, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had violently attacked Macron, accusing him of having “played into the hands of the repressive regime” of former President Macky Sall. For the expert, “this must serve as a lesson” so that Western leaders treat the opposition “with deference”.
Despite these recriminations, Kane assures that “relationships are not going to be complicated”. Because if Sonko, as party leader, can express himself, “the one in charge is Diomaye Faye”. A reputedly calm president who “does not talk too much”, an appreciable quality “in diplomacy”.
Several burning issues await the two men, starting with the French military base in Dakar which is making the opposition cough. “The sovereignty of Senegal is incompatible with the presence of foreign bases,” insists Sonko. A position shared by Kane: “A State claims a certain way of establishing relationships with the outside world.”
The closure of this base could therefore be implemented quickly according to the expert. “If they agree tomorrow, the procedure can speed up,” he says, while emphasizing the logistical complexity of such an operation.
Another thorn in the side: the CFA franc, inherited from colonization. “Senegal is in the process of reform within the framework of ECOWAS,” explains Kane, aiming to create a single regional currency. But if this option fails, “Senegal will review its position”.
Finally, the situation in the Sahel and the Malian and Burkinabe military regimes will be discussed. Taking advantage of his good relations with these juntas, Diomaye Faye could “have the French point of view” and facilitate a dialogue, believes the expert.
If Kane rules out a mediator role, the Senegalese president will have to deal with these sensitive issues. Its objective: to reframe a French relationship considered one-way, but without breaking age-old ties.
