Since the recent legislative elections, the Senegalese political landscape has undergone significant upheaval. The once vibrant and dominant Alliance for the Republic (APR) found itself facing a defeat that, while painful, presents a unique opportunity for deep introspection. In reality, this series of defeats began with the failure in the 2024 presidential elections, followed by the legislative elections last November. It is time for us, activists and leaders of the APR, to think about the future of our party. This critical moment imposes on us a clear choice: rebuild or perish.
Glowing results, but a look to the future
It would be dishonest to deny the major achievements of the APR under our leadership. Significant progress has been made in the areas of infrastructure, education, health and employment. These advances are part of our heritage and we are proud of them. President Macky Sall has fully played his part, carrying out several reforms and laying the foundations for sustainable development. However, clinging solely to this assessment, however laudatory it may be, will not be enough to regain the confidence of the Senegalese.
The world is changing, Senegal is changing, and we must also adapt to this change. The APR can no longer simply look in the rearview mirror. We must develop an innovative paradigm and propose a vision that meets the current and future aspirations of citizens.
A return to basics, an imperative necessity
The time has come to rebuild our party structurally and ideologically. We need to get back to basics, where it all began. This return to basics is not just a strategy, it is an obligation. We must recreate our committees, reactivate our local sections and strengthen our presence within the diaspora.
Reconstruction also involves training a new generation of leaders. It is imperative to open the party to new faces, innovative ideas and current themes. A renewal of the bases and authorities is essential. New blood is essential to instill a new dynamic.
A constructive and thematic opposition
Our opposition to the current power must be intelligently rethought. We cannot just criticize for the sake of criticizing, nor get stuck in retroactive quarrels. We must adopt a constructive stance, focused on concrete proposals. For example, issues of education, health, youth employment, migration, territorial equity, digital transformation and reduction of inequalities must be at the heart of our struggles.
Our role as opposition is not limited to countering the power in place. We must be a force of proposal. Let us offer the Senegalese an innovative, pragmatic and ambitious societal project. Politics is not just about gaining power; it is above all a commitment to the people and their aspirations.
An ideological and strategic mobilization
The reconstruction of the APR requires deep ideological work. We need to think about what we want to embody as a party. What values do we defend? What project are we carrying out for Senegal? This in-depth work must be complemented by strategic mobilization at all levels: local, national and international.
It is also crucial to listen to the Senegalese. What are their real needs? Dialogue with citizens must become a regular practice for the APR. This involves community meetings, citizen consultations and an increased presence on the ground.
Rebuild to serve better
The APR is at a crossroads. We have two choices: reinvent ourselves to become a major political force again or disappear into oblivion. Reconstruction is not an option, it is a necessity.
As members of the APR, we have the historic responsibility to rebuild our party with humility, determination and vision. It is only by adapting to new realities and proposing credible solutions that we can regain the trust of the Senegalese. The APR must be more than a political party; it must be an engine of change for a better Senegal.
Djimo SOUARE
Member of Parliament, vice-president of the Takku Wallu parliamentary group
President of the Goudiry departmental council.
