Through a press release dated January 5, 2025, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, former minister and National Secretary for Elections, invites activists and supporters to initiate a complete and methodical overhaul of the Socialist Party which ruled Senegal from 1960 to 2000.
In a context marked by a third presidential change in March 2024 and disappointing results in the legislative elections, the PS is at a crossroads. “This moment imposes the requirement for lucidity and evaluation without complacency,” writes Serigne Mbaye Thiam.
Faced with the challenges, Serigne Mbaye Thiam draws up a real road map to rebuild the PS, calling for “an in-depth, collective and inclusive reflection to design the future of our common heritage”, he indicates. In a context marked by political and social upheavals, the Socialist Party finds itself at a decisive crossroads.
An uncompromising assessment
The PS, after returning to opposition following the presidential and legislative elections of 2024, is facing a fundamental challenge. Serigne Mbaye Thiam calls for a rigorous evaluation: “We must carry out a lucid and objective analysis of this double defeat, by rethinking our positioning in a deeply disrupted political and social field. » This introspection must serve as a basis for the development of a new political offer responding to the aspirations of the Senegalese people and global developments.
Aware of the historical impact of the leaders of the PS, Serigne Mbaye Thiam underlines the need for a generational transition. “The ‘pre-independence’ generation retains an essential role of guidance and support, but no longer has the sociological legitimacy to lead future battles to regain power. » This generation is called to pass on the torch while supporting the new driving forces of the party.
Youth mobilized for reconstruction
Youth occupies a central place in this call. “This young generation must understand that individual ambitions and solitary initiatives are doomed to failure. It must be united and united to deserve and assume the legacy. » This “post-independence” generation is encouraged to build a new dynamic, to be present in national debates and to carry the aspirations of a Senegal in full change.
The PS is invited to rethink its organization and functioning to adapt to contemporary requirements. “We must move from an old party to a more agile, open and united party, freed from the practices of archaic politics of clientelism. » explained the former minister. According to him, this implies the modernization of structures, openness to youth and women, and the adoption of new methods of mobilization and collective and transparent financing.
A new political paradigm
The call also highlights the need to reinvent the ideological foundations of the PS to respond to contemporary challenges, such as populism, climate crises and inequalities. “In a world marked by the temptation to turn inward, we must re-examine and reinvent the foundations of our socialist ideology. »
According to Serigne Mbaye Thiam, the reconstruction should not be “rushed or cosmetic”. The National Secretary for Elections proposes the creation of an ad hoc structure to carry out this project. “This work must be carried out methodically, patiently, but with self-sacrifice. We must not give in to the temptation of cosmetic and hasty reform. » he said.
The former minister insists on the audacity necessary to transform the PS into a modern and influential political force. “Even the symbolism of the name and visual identity of the party should not constitute a taboo. » he explains. He also urges the Party to play a leading role in the reconfiguration of the Senegalese political field by collaborating with other socialist and progressive forces.
Cheikh Gora DIOP
