The newly elected President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has initiated a series of nationwide consultations, marking a shift from the annual national dialogue traditionally held on May 28—a tradition established by his predecessor Macky Sall in 2016.

Instead of a single-day event, Faye is organizing ten days of structured discussions with key stakeholders, including NGOs, political parties, traditional leaders, and religious figures. This approach, analysts suggest, reinforces his image as a leader committed to dialogue and inclusive governance.

Maurice Soundieck Dione, a political science professor at the Université Gaston Berger in Saint-Louis, notes that these consultations are not merely symbolic but reflect Faye’s stated intention to make concertation a hallmark of his administration. The move also addresses growing criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the government of pushing through contentious reforms—such as the electoral law changes—without adequate consultation.

Prime Minister Sonko’s address to lawmakers

On the same day, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is scheduled to address the National Assembly, a session included in the official parliamentary calendar. The timing of this address has sparked debate among political observers.

Assane Samb, a political analyst, suggests that a better coordination between the presidency and the prime minister’s office could have avoided potential conflicts in scheduling. However, Maurice Soundieck Dione argues that the current setup—where the president and prime minister appear to be competing for influence—explains the lack of synchronization. Each leader, he says, is striving to assert their presence and authority in the political landscape.