Tensions are escalating in Senegal as the new government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, faces strong opposition from former ruling parties. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the inauguration of President Baciro Diomaye Faye in April 2024, with former opposition groups now in power and the previous regime challenging their authority. The government is attempting to investigate oil and gas contracts from the previous administration, which has been met with resistance from opposition parties who see it as a personal attack on their political legacy.
The political crisis has led to significant actions, including the dissolution of parliament by President Faye due to disagreements over the government's program. The Constitutional Council deemed this move legal, and elections are scheduled for November 17, 2024. The government is banking on winning a comfortable majority to facilitate its agenda, including potential trials of former officials for corruption.
Former President Macky Sall is attempting to re-enter the political scene through a new opposition coalition, 'Tako Walo Senegal,' in a bid to regain influence after his ousting. His coalition's recent actions, including attempts to block Sonko's candidacy, highlight the ongoing political rivalry and the stakes involved in the upcoming elections. The political atmosphere is charged, with accusations of suppression and violence lingering from Sall's administration.
