Senegal’s president warns against treating democracy as spoils of power
Senegal’s president warns against treating democracy as spoils of power
In the midst of Senegal’s ongoing political crisis, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a speech laden with significance. During a national tribute to former President Abdoulaye Wade—who celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29—Faye indirectly addressed the deepening rift between himself and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
“No matter how intense a dispute may be, it should never justify tearing apart the country we share,” the Head of State emphasized. He stressed that “democracy is not a spoil of power to be seized and jealously guarded, but a flame to be passed from one hand to another—one that must never be allowed to extinguish.”
Faye removed Ousmane Sonko from office on May 22, following months of escalating tensions between the two once-close allies.
The following evening, Ousmane Sonko—leader of Senegal’s majority party and newly elected President of the National Assembly on May 26—held a press conference where he described his relationship with President Faye as one of “cohabitation.” “He does not hold all the power,” Sonko declared. “He needs to step down from his pedestal and engage in dialogue.”
“Today’s adversary is not tomorrow’s enemy”
During the tribute to Abdoulaye Wade—West Africa’s political icon and President from 2000 to 2012—Bassirou Diomaye Faye directly addressed the former leader. “You taught us that even the fiercest disputes must never justify tearing apart the nation we share,” he reflected. “You showed us that serving our youth is always more valuable than exploiting them.”
Two days after Sonko’s statements, Bassirou Diomaye Faye arrived at the official ceremony at Dakar’s Grand Theatre to a roaring ovation. His speech drew repeated applause, particularly when he alluded to the nation’s political uncertainty and his break with Ousmane Sonko.
Wade taught us that today’s adversary is not tomorrow’s enemy. They are a fellow citizen with a different vision for the country, with whom we must eventually live in peace and harmony in Senegal,” he continued. “We can oppose one another without tearing each other apart.”
The President also praised Wade’s unwavering belief in Senegal’s future, even in the face of adversity. “He never despaired of Senegal, nor of even those who stray into bitterness and hatred.”
