The announcement made by Bassirou Diomaye Faye to dissolve the National Assembly, invoking article 87 of the Constitution, marks a decisive turning point for Senegalese democracy. This decision comes in a tense political context. Indeed, the reforms promised by the president have struggled to materialize due to an opposing parliamentary majority, formed by the coalition « United for Hope. » This coalition, loyal to former president Macky Sall, presents a major obstacle to the changes sought by the new administration.
“The time has come to open a New Era”
– Bassirou Diomaye Faye
For President Faye, this dissolution is a risky yet calculated bet. The early legislative elections scheduled for November 17, 2024, offer a unique opportunity to secure a stable parliamentary majority. This would allow him to implement his program of economic and social reforms. Among his priorities are job creation for the youth, Senegal’s exit from the CFA franc zone and a fierce fight against the corruption plaguing the country.
A decisive month for Senegal’s future
With just one month left until these crucial elections, the stakes are high. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who presents himself as a left-wing sovereignist, must convince the Senegalese population that his program represents renewal. Facing him and his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, is the opposition coalition « Takku Wallu Senegal, » led by former president Macky Sall. He is doing everything to maintain its influence within the legislative power. This coalition is primarily composed of Sall’s party, the APR (Alliance for the Republic), along with various other opposition parties.
The competition will be fierce, and a genuine « second round of the presidential election » is essentially taking place through these early legislative elections. The president is relying heavily on his popular support among the youth, who represent a crucial political force. In fact, it was largely thanks to this youth, mobilized in part by the Pastef party, that he was able to secure his presidency.
Pastef, a party advocating national sovereignty and a break from Senegal’s colonial and neocolonial past, could play a key role in these elections.
Economic and social issues at the heart of the debate
Beyond political rivalries, the country’s future is at stake. The economic reforms proposed by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, particularly his plan to exit the CFA franc zone, are crystallizing the debates. For some, the CFA franc represents a symbol of French economic control over its former African colonies, while others see it as a tool of monetary stability. For President Faye, it is an opportunity to restore Senegal’s full economic sovereignty while boosting local investor confidence.
Another major issue is youth unemployment. With over 60% of Senegal’s population under the age of 25, youth employment is a ticking time bomb that successive governments have never truly managed to defuse. Faye’s program proposes ambitious measures for vocational training, investment in local entrepreneurship, and a labor market reform aimed at encouraging job creation in the private sector.
Towards a « new era » or political stalemate ?
This dissolution of the Assembly and the ensuing legislative elections could indeed mark a pivotal moment for Senegal’s political future. If Bassirou Diomaye Faye manages to turn the tide and secure a majority, he will finally be able to launch the reforms promised during his campaign. However, if he fails, Senegal could find itself in a political deadlock, with a forced cohabitation between a divided executive and legislative branch.
The November election will thus serve as a decisive test, not only for the president but also for Senegalese democracy itself. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, as Senegal has long been regarded as a model of stability in West Africa. Prolonged instability or institutional gridlock could have repercussions throughout the region, particularly in economic and security terms.
The coming month will be crucial for Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who will need to mobilize his entire electorate to face an opposition determined to maintain its influence. The stakes go far beyond simple partisan rivalries, as this is a question of whether Senegal is ready to enter a « new era, » as promised by its president.
