Activists and supporters of President Diomaye Faye gathered in Mbour on Saturday, 9th May, to pay tribute to him. The event, organized by the “Diomaye Président” coalition, occurred two years after President Diomaye Faye came to power. The assembly showed continued support for the president in the Senegalese city, with organizers noting the coalition's enduring commitment to his leadership.
Party Unity and Political Speculation
Tensions persist within the ruling party, Pastef, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, according to reports. Internal divisions within Pastef are reportedly fuelling political speculation, even as supporters intend to maintain momentum for upcoming elections. Despite these internal dynamics, the Minister for Trade recently voiced strong support for the current administration. "I have never seen, in two years, so many results… We want to tell you that the ‘Diomaye-President’ coalition is a lever for building this Senegal," the Minister for Trade stated, emphasizing the achievements of the current presidential term. The minister continued, advocating for President Faye's future in office, adding, "That is why, in 2029, the president must seek another five-year term. No president has ever served just a single term in Senegal, so we, the Senegalese people, want him to be our candidate in 2029 and for him to win for the development of Senegal.” This declaration signals a clear intention from a segment of the ruling coalition to secure a second term for President Faye, aiming to solidify the political agenda and continue the development initiatives.
Amidst these dynamics, dismissals have occurred among the “pro-Sonko” faction, indicating internal struggles and a realignment of power within the political landscape. Ousseynou Ly, who previously served as the presidential spokesperson, was among those dismissed, a move that sent ripples through the party. Following his departure, Abdoulaye Tine, a lawyer and member of the presidential coalition, replaced Mr. Ly, stepping into the key role of spokesperson. Further signalling an internal power struggle and shifts in leadership, the replacement of Aïda Mbodj by Aminata Touré at the head of the coalition has been noted by observers. These personnel changes show the ongoing internal restructuring and contestation within the ruling political apparatus. Addressing the position of his Prime Minister, President Faye offered a clear statement regarding his confidence in Ousmane Sonko. "As long as he is prime minister, it means he has my trust. The day that trust no longer exists, I will appoint another prime minister," President Faye stated, outlining the basis of their working relationship and the conditions for its continuation. This statement aimed to clarify the current stability of the Prime Minister's role while also asserting presidential authority.
Regional Security and Mali
The prevailing situation in Mali is a cause for concern for Senegal, according to President Diomaye Faye. He stated that "everything that affects Mali concerns us directly," emphasizing the deep interconnectedness of the two nations and the potential for regional spillover. President Faye believes Senegal must support Mali in its fight against terrorism, acknowledging the broader regional implications of the ongoing conflict and the shared security challenges faced by West African states. He noted that the instability in Mali threatens the security and development of the entire sub-region, making a concerted response imperative.
To address these pressing concerns, President Faye called for strengthened cooperation with Bamako. He specifically advocated for enhanced intelligence exchange and joint patrols between the two countries' security forces. This approach aims to create a more unified front against extremist groups operating in the Sahel region, fostering a collaborative security framework. President Faye also extended this call for collaboration beyond Mali, urging all Ecowas countries to take joint and coordinated action against regional security threats. This collective effort, he suggested, is essential for maintaining stability across West Africa and effectively combating cross-border criminal and terrorist networks.
Proposed Regional Solutions
Researcher Bakary Sambe, president of the Timbuktu Institute, has advocated for a full strategy involving African nations to resolve the ongoing regional crisis. This recommendation aligns with discussions held on 18th April in Lomé, where a high-level meeting brought together Ecowas officials, partners, and researchers to deliberate on regional security challenges and potential solutions. Sambe suggested a holistic approach involving affected African countries to resolve the crisis, emphasizing the need for internally driven solutions. The researcher stated, "at the regional level, the approach proposed in Lomé is precisely what is needed: multilateral coordination involving the AU, Ecowas, Algeria, Mauritania and neutral actors, or those perceived as such. And as regards external partnerships, we must be clear-sighted without being dogmatic." This approach emphasizes collaborative efforts among key regional players and international partners, while also stressing the importance of African leadership and discernment in external engagements. The discussions in Lomé noted the consensus among regional stakeholders regarding the necessity of a multi-faceted and coordinated response to the complex security landscape in West Africa.