The Alliance for the Republic (APR) of former President Macky Sall expressed deep concern this week over a "major political crisis" within Senegal's highest levels of government. This crisis, according to the party, stems from significant tensions that have emerged between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko. The party stated that these tensions reveal "the clear failure of the political project championed by the Pastef regime." The APR further asserted that the ruling coalition is publicly displaying its disagreements, internal rivalries, and political contradictions less than two years after coming to power. The party's statement showed its belief that the dissension observed within the government clearly indicates the failure of the political project advocated by the Pastef regime. This internal strife, they argue, is a significant departure from the promises made during their ascent to power.
Governance Criticisms and Public Concerns
The Alliance for the Republic (APR) noted several challenging contexts for the Senegalese population, painting a bleak picture of the current national situation. These challenges include a significant decline in purchasing power for ordinary citizens, persistent difficulties encountered by businesses across various sectors, and the ongoing issue of persistent youth unemployment. The APR raised serious concerns regarding the state of public finances, suggesting a lack of prudent management. The National Executive Secretariat (SEN) of the APR further stated its strong denunciation that "Personal ambitions now seem to be taking precedence over the demands of the state and the legitimate expectations of citizens." This statement was part of a broader critique from the APR, which characterized the current governance style as one marked by "improvisation" and "the absence of structural reforms." The party explicitly criticized the government's approach, noting a perceived lack of strategic planning and fundamental changes needed for national development. The APR suggested that the new government, led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Amine Mohamed Lô, is perceived primarily as an attempt to manage an internal political crisis rather than genuinely addressing the pressing concerns of the population. This indicates a deep skepticism from the former ruling party regarding the current administration's priorities and effectiveness.
Support for Constitutional Challenge
The Alliance for the Republic (APR) declared its unequivocal support for opposition members of parliament who have lodged an appeal with the Constitutional Council regarding the position of Ousmane Sonko within the National Assembly. The party formally affirmed its "unreserved" support for this initiative brought before the high court, emphasizing its commitment to upholding legal and constitutional processes. The appeal primarily concerns Sonko’s reinstatement to the assembly and his subsequent election as Speaker of Parliament, a move that has generated considerable debate and legal scrutiny. The APR's endorsement signifies its alignment with efforts to legally challenge the current parliamentary situation and to seek a resolution through the Constitutional Council, the country's highest constitutional authority. This move by the APR notes their strategic positioning in the ongoing political landscape, aligning with actions that question the legitimacy or process of current governmental appointments.
Call for Mobilization and Restructuring
The Alliance for the Republic (APR) issued a full call for various societal groups to mobilize. This broad appeal targeted civil society organizations, trade unions, economic actors, youth movements, women’s organizations, and political parties. The overarching aim of this mobilization, as articulated by the APR, is to preserve institutional stability, safeguard democratic gains, uphold the rule of law, and protect Senegal’s international credibility. The party stressed the importance of collective action to prevent further erosion of these fundamental pillars of the nation.
Beyond this national call, the APR also issued internal directives, instructing its own party officials, elected representatives, executives, and activists to relaunch grassroots activities across the country. This directive includes accelerating the restructuring of local bodies, a critical step in strengthening the party's organizational base. The party has set a clear target completion date for this ambitious restructuring effort: mid-July 2026, indicating a strategic long-term plan for rejuvenation and renewed engagement at the local level.
