“The devil does not tell the truth, but he deceives the mind” – Proverbs
(“Satan does not tell the truth but provokes doubt”)
Let us never negotiate our life together !
Senegal, a country of balance and resilience, has always known how to overcome challenges to preserve its unity and stability. However, this harmony, the fruit of a common heritage built over decades, is today being tested by the worrying rise in ethnicist discourse. These speeches, as the Wolof proverb reminds us, do not necessarily tell the truth, but sow doubt and divide. This doubt, pernicious and insidious, threatens to weaken our social cohesion and fuel fractures that no responsible citizen can ignore.
The political and social history of Senegal testifies to a remarkable capacity to overcome profound crises. The political crisis of 1988, marked by post-electoral protests and prolonged tensions, was one of the first episodes of major turbulence that shook our nascent democracy. A few years later, in 1993, the assassination of the vice-president of the Constitutional Council plunged the country into another large-scale crisis, testing our political system and our institutional stability. However, far from sinking into the division, these trials encouraged Senegal to take a decisive turn. By resuming national dialogue, undertaking profound reforms and strengthening the transparency of the electoral process, the country not only overcame these crises, but also strengthened its democratic foundations. Thus, despite the seriousness of these events, the Senegalese people demonstrated restraint, resilience and a deep desire for justice, allowing our country to preserve its stability.
Between 2021 and 2023, Senegal went through another period of turbulence, marked by virulent demonstrations fueled by economic dissatisfaction and heightened political tensions. Thousands of young people, frustrated by social and economic challenges, took to the streets to express their discontent. This context could have degenerated, but faithful to its heritage of dialogue, Senegal was able to avoid the worst and begin a return to stability. These episodes, although difficult, illustrate our collective capacity to protect national unity and overcome challenges in a spirit of peace. These are the values that we must continue to promote and preserve without compromise.
However, the rise of ethnicist discourse represents a new and insidious threat. These speeches, often carried by actors seeking political interests or by malicious opportunists, play on fears and prejudices, pitting communities which have always lived together. These comments, whether the result of poorly controlled emotions or cynical manipulation, do not reflect any truth, but sow seeds of division which, if not eradicated quickly, could compromise our common future. We must fight them firmly and refuse to allow them to erode the foundations of our living together.
The Senegalese Constitution, in its preamble, strongly affirms that “Senegal is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic”. It enshrines the equality of all citizens without distinction of origin, race or religion. These fundamental principles constitute the basis of our living together. But as solid as they are, these texts will not be enough to guarantee our unity if we, citizens, do not become fully aware of our responsibility. Collective vigilance is imperative. Everyone must ask themselves: who benefits from this hate speech? Why allow ideas to flourish that endanger this precious heritage that our elders built with courage and determination?
We have no right to tarnish the precious legacy of our illustrious elders, exceptional men and women, bearers of wisdom, courage and dignity, who shaped Senegal as we know it today. Iconic political figures, such as Léopold Sédar Senghor, Mamadou Dia, Lamine Gueye, Waldiodio Ndiaye, Abdou Diouf, Abdoulaye Wade, Majhemout Diop, Abdoulaye Bathily, Amath Dansokho, Landing Savané and many others – whether they have exercised power or embodied the opposition – played a fundamental role in the construction of the State and the consolidation of democracy. In the religious field, leaders like Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, El Hadj Malick Sy, Seydina Limamou Laye, Cheikh Al Islam Ibrahim Niasse (Baye Niasse), Monsignor Hyacinthe Thiandoum, Monsignor Théodore Adrien Sarr, and many others have embodied unity national and worked tirelessly for social peace and interreligious dialogue. Intellectuals and writers such as Cheikh Anta Diop, Ousmane Sembène, Aminata Sow Fall, Mariama Bâ, among others, have enriched our culture and affirmed our identity. These figures, from diverse backgrounds, built and bequeathed us a strong and united nation. Their heritage is a precious asset that we have a duty to preserve and pass on.
-Senegal cannot afford to give in to these excesses. Our cultural, ethnic and religious diversity has always been an asset, never an obstacle. It is this diversity that has allowed our country to remain a model in Africa and in the world. In March 2024, when for the first time an opponent came to power in the first round uncontested, we showed the world what we are capable of accomplishing when we stand united. This major advance in our process of national construction and democratic consolidation, widely welcomed by the African and international community, testifies to the solidity of our institutions and the maturity of our democracy.
Let’s not let irresponsible speeches destroy what generations have built with courage and determination. Senegal is our common good, a precious heritage that we have the duty to transmit intact, if not strengthened, to future generations.
Let us unite to defend our national unity.
Let us unite to say no to speeches of division and hatred.
Let us unite to protect our life together, because our stability and our future depend on it.
Let us never negotiate our life together!
