Taxawu Sénégal has officially transformed from a political platform into a structured party during its constitutive congress held in Dakar on Sunday, May 10. The event, centered on the theme “From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, united, and prosperous Senegal”, brought together militants, leaders, and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was unanimously acclaimed as the party’s leader by the congress delegates, amidst an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unwavering commitment. In a speech blending critical analysis with forward-looking proposals, the newly elected leader of Taxawu Sénégal delivered a stark assessment of the national situation, highlighting “profound concerns” and “real difficulties faced daily by compatriots.” He declared, “From our cities to our villages, from neighborhoods to rural areas, one reality stands clear: Senegalese men and women share a growing conviction that promises of social justice, prosperity, and transparency remain unfulfilled.”
The socialist leader painted a vivid picture of a nation grappling with multifaceted social crises: educators seeking recognition, students protesting harsh study conditions, workers demanding better pay, and farmers, fishermen, and women confronting increasingly precarious economic realities. “Our farmers are in complete disarray,” he emphasized, while warning of the “gradual depletion of marine resources” threatening both fishermen and Senegal’s maritime economy. He also underscored the plight of the youth, burdened by mass unemployment and the resurgence of clandestine migration.
“When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A directionless youth signals a future devoid of momentum,” he asserted, adding a poignant remark: “We have plenty of young people seeking work; what we lack are young people finding it.”
In response to these challenges, Taxawu Sénégal aims to present a renewed political offering built on a “reimagined social contract.” For Khalifa Sall, this refoundation begins with “a fair, efficient, and exemplary state,” but also hinges on improved access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection for all citizens.
The new party advocates for enhanced decentralization, rooted in “autonomous and responsible local governments,” transparent budgets, and citizen-centric governance that encourages public participation. On institutional matters, the leader of Taxawu Sénégal championed an independent judiciary, condemning any form of “selective justice” or restrictions on public freedoms.
“A democracy without a viable opposition is merely a self-deceived autocracy,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression, press freedom, and political pluralism.
The speech also addressed international geopolitical and economic issues. Khalifa Sall called for a Senegalese diplomacy grounded in “peace, multilateralism, African solidarity, and economic sovereignty,” particularly in a global context marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and economic crises.
Outlining the ideological foundations of the new party, he reaffirmed Taxawu Sénégal’s socialist roots. “We are Socialists. We cannot accept a system where inequalities persist across generations,” he stated. The party’s societal project is built on a “structuring triptych”: “Humanity, Water, and Land,” with the ambition of fostering a “productive and distributive economy” that creates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of its benefits.
In a solemn appeal to socialist militants, Khalifa Sall urged left-leaning factions to unite around a credible alternative to address the country’s current challenges. “Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength, and it will pave the way for our victory,” he concluded to thunderous applause from the delegates.
