Cape Town — Macky Sall, former President of Senegal, is set to contest the upcoming legislative elections on November 17, leading the national list for the Takku Wallu Sénégal coalition. This coalition is anchored by his own party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR), and the Senegalese Democratic Party, the political platform of his predecessor Abdoulaye Wade.
In a letter to his supporters and fellow citizens, Sall outlined his reasons for accepting the coalition’s nomination. He painted a grim picture of Senegal’s current situation, which he described as being in stark contrast to the trajectory he left behind when his 12-year presidency ended eight months ago.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sall noted that he handed over a country on a solid path to economic growth, with Senegal being one of the few economies in the world to exhibit positive growth despite the impact of COVID-19 and the repercussions of a major global conflict. He also pointed to the peaceful environment he fostered, highlighted by an amnesty law that promoted national reconciliation after years of violent unrest. Under his leadership, he said, the country benefited from stable governance and legal security that inspired investor confidence, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
However, Sall expressed concern over the nation’s current direction, citing a recent downgrade in Senegal’s sovereign credit rating by two agencies within just weeks. He attributed the downgrades to “slanderous and unfounded claims,” including an unsubstantiated report about a vast hidden bank account, which was quickly debunked by banking professionals. Sall’s decision to lead the coalition, he stated, is driven by a desire to stop the growing dangers threatening the country.
Meanwhile, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who dissolved Parliament just six months after taking office, assured voters that the November 17 elections would be free and fair. He called for restraint from all parties involved, acknowledging the difficulties in working with Parliament, which had refused to begin discussions on the Budget law and had rejected attempts to eliminate inefficient state institutions. Faye’s remarks follow Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s earlier pledge to launch an extensive investigation into government corruption.
As Senegal prepares for this crucial election, all eyes will be on how these political developments unfold and what impact they will have on the future of the country.
