Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s newly elected president, ascended to power in March with ambitious promises of radical reform. However, six months later, the country continues to grapple with economic difficulties, and Faye finds himself embroiled in a political standoff with the parliament, which remains under the control of his predecessor’s party. This escalating feud threatens to derail Faye’s reform agenda and further destabilize the nation.
The crux of the conflict lies in the appointment of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister by Faye. The parliament, dominated by Macky Sall’s party, has refused to recognize Sonko, citing the abolition of the Prime Minister’s position in 2019. Despite its reinstatement in 2020, the parliament contends that the reinstatement was never formally rectified. This stand-off has resulted in a stalemate, with Sonko refusing to present his policy agenda to the parliament due to its refusal to acknowledge his legitimacy.
Adding fuel to the fire, Thierno Alassane Sall, leader of the parliament’s controlling party, has openly questioned Sonko’s legitimacy, arguing that he was not elected and derives his authority solely from the president’s appointment. The impasse has led Faye to announce his intention to dissolve the parliament, although this move is legally restricted until September 12th, as the parliament must be in session for at least two years before dissolution.
Beyond the political wrangling, Senegal faces a slew of socioeconomic challenges. The national debt currently exceeds 72% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while unemployment among young people stands at a staggering one-third. These grim realities cast a shadow over Faye’s promises of economic improvement and social progress.
Faye’s initial promises of national reconciliation, tackling the cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption have yet to materialize. His pan-African agenda, while seemingly ambitious, appears to be a distraction from the urgent need to address domestic issues. His efforts to mediate between military-ruled states in West Africa and the regional bloc ECOWAS, while commendable, fail to address the pressing concerns within Senegal.
Furthermore, allegations of cronyism have surfaced against Faye, mirroring those leveled against his predecessor. Nearly half of his appointments are said to be affiliated with his party, raising concerns about merit-based selection. Despite promising to reassess Senegal’s relationship with France, Faye’s first foreign visit after assuming office was to France, the country’s former colonial ruler, adding fuel to suspicions of a lack of independence in his foreign policy.
With the nation facing a political crisis alongside its economic woes, the coming months will be critical for President Faye. His ability to navigate the political impasse and address the country’s socioeconomic challenges will determine the success of his presidency and the future of Senegal.
