If 2024 were presented as a theatrical play, Senegal would be the main stage, where political actors competed in ingenuity to capture attention. From electoral twists and turns to fiery speeches and dramatic events, this year has aroused various emotions among citizens: laughter, anger, revolt.
Act I: The suspense of the third term
The year began with an intrigue worthy of the greatest soap operas: was Macky Sall going to run for a third term? This question has ignited official and unofficial debates for months. Finally, in February, President Macky Sall announced a postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25, citing ongoing parliamentary investigations and alleged external threats. This decision was strongly criticized, leading to popular mobilization and an intervention by the Constitutional Council, forcing the president to organize the vote on March 24.
Act II: The campaign of competing egos
With the withdrawal of Macky Sall, the stage was stormed by around twenty candidates. The debates were animated by economic promises linked to oil and gas, a central subject in the discussions. The campaign, although shortened, was marked by a flowering of dialectics and sometimes insolent strategies, giving a complex face to Senegalese democracy.
Act III: The election, a story of twists and turns
On March 24, the Senegalese voted in an effervescent atmosphere. The PASTEF party candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, won the election in the first round, expressing a collective desire for change after a decade under Macky Sall. This success marked the end of an era and opened the way to new political perspectives.
Act IV: A harmonious government?
At the leadership, Bassirou Diomaye Faye formed a government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. However, some dissonance was felt regarding parity and the difficulty of achieving the promised economic goals. Reducing food prices has proven to be a major challenge, calling into question the viability of some election promises.
Act V: Parliament in a new light
With a majority for the ruling party, the National Assembly saw new dynamics take hold. A notable figure in the opposition, known for his mastery of legislative texts, was able to impose his style in the debates, offering a spectacle of verbal jousting which renewed interest in the Senegalese legislative process.
Act VI: The diplomatic overview
On the international scene, President Diomaye Faye did not fail to strengthen the country’s diplomatic relations through a marathon of meetings. From Paris to Moscow, via the UN authorities, its actions have demonstrated a strong desire to redefine Senegal’s positioning on the world stage.
Despite the tumult, the Senegalese political landscape remains captivating. Citizens, although sometimes disillusioned, remain hopeful about the evolution of their nation. For more details on this fascinating aspect of Senegalese politics, the website of our colleagues at Sud Quotidien offers an in-depth analysis of the current situation.
