Political rift in Senegal must not justify manipulation of governance

The collaboration between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was initially framed around a shared commitment to prevent the Executive from stepping outside the jurisdiction of the High Council of the Judiciary—despite clear promises made during their campaign.

During their partnership, applications for key leadership positions went unaddressed, even though such appointments were explicitly outlined in their joint program. Additionally, while both leaders vowed to repeal the amnesty law, it remained unchanged throughout their tenure.

Most notably, political funds were distributed without scrutiny, despite the existence of a reform proposal to regulate such allocations—one that required only a simple parliamentary majority to pass, which they secured months after taking office.

The current public display of urgency for reforms contrasts sharply with the inaction that prevailed when both leaders were united. The National Assembly, a cornerstone of the Republic, deserves better than to be reduced to a stage for political score-settling, performative gestures, and manufactured divisions that cannot erase their shared responsibility.

Thierno Bocoum
President, AGIR- LES LEADERS