Already three plenaries, in less than two weeks, for Jacqueline Sagna and Félicité Mbougane, deputies of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (Pastef) party who are exercising this function for the very first time. Installed on December 2, the new National Assembly of Senegal following the early legislative elections in November has 165 deputies, including these two women, who, like a few other deputies, claim to be Catholic, in a country made up of more than 90% Muslims .
After the presidential election of March 24 which saw the arrival of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the candidate of Pastef in power, he dissolved the National Assembly then composed mainly of the former presidential party. He subsequently organized early legislative elections which his party largely won to ensure a majority to carry out his reforms and to materialize his electoral promises.
Read alsoSenegal: “Diomaye Faye seems to demonstrate a realism which keeps away too brutal breakups”
Jacqueline Sagna and Félicité Mbougane Sarr who are among the 130 Pastef deputies who now sit in the hemicycle with this mission. “Faith is very important in our journey; I would even say that it is fundamental”Jacqueline Sagna immediately affirms.
Follow in the footsteps of Jesus to serve better
Originally from the Ziguinchor region (south), this grassroots development actress entered politics in 2016, with the firm conviction that “with faith, nothing would be impossible for you.” “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”she quotes Proverbs 3.5-6 word for word.
In the National Assembly, Ms. Sagna, who represents a commune affected by a serious crisis (an irredentist rebellion) in the Casamance region, says she has the concerns of the displaced populations under her belt. “I always fight for the populations of Senegal in general and in particular of my commune, 95% of whom are displaced”says Jacqueline Sagna.
Insisting on her faith, she plans to rely on her Catholic faith to “better approach” issues, notably the defense of the interests of the community and the weakest. In his eyes, the practice of politics, “art of managing the city”, East “perfectly compliant” to biblical teachings. She therefore pleads for a “active commitment of Catholic Christians” in politics in Senegal, despite their very minority presence. “We call on Catholics to get involved in politics because it is also a way to serve their people, Senegal and their neighbors”explains Ms. Sagna.
“Faith puts the Christian at the service of his fellow men”
It is the same conviction for Mrs. Félicité Mbougane Sarr elected on the departmental list of Mbour (west), in the diocese of Dakar. Emphasizing that « l“faith is (his) guideline in life”this trained teacher says she very quickly identified with “gift of self for the homeland” advocated by his training.
“As a Catholic, I see myself perfectly in the motto of my political party relating to ‘the gift of oneself for the homeland’”says the new parliamentarian, who entered politics in 2015. “Jesus gave himself to the point of death for others. And politically, I see myself in this dynamic for the good of my compatriots”she explained. Félicité Sarr, who also quotes Martin Luther, remains convinced that “faith puts the Christian at the service of his fellow men”. « CThis vision, similar to the biblical words, convinced and comforted me in my choice to enter politics with the aim of serving others.
assures Ms. Sarr
For this first legislature which should end in 2029, there are around ten Christian deputies in the National Assembly. Within this institution located in the district of Dakar-Plateau on Soweto Square, Jacqueline and Félicité are committed to defending the populations by remaining “very close and sensitive to their concerns”.
Related News :