The theme of national reconciliation has been central to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s governance since he came to power in March 2024. It is a key commitment manifested through several initiatives and statements by the Head of State. The current crisis has further complicated these priorities, which are not shared by the entire Pastef establishment.
By Bocar SAKHO –  It is an enormous political undertaking: since assuming the highest office in March 2024, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has placed national reconciliation at the heart of his governance project. Elected on the promise of a « break » with the past after years of intense political and social tensions, his mandate is explicitly geared towards healing Senegal’s historical and recent divisions. Faced with a Senegalese society polarized by the events of previous years, President Faye has reaffirmed that national cohesion is his « one and only compass. » In his addresses to the Nation, particularly during national holidays, the Head of State urged citizens to rediscover the spirit of unity embodied by the national motto: « One people, one goal, one faith. » He stressed the need for all the vital forces of the Nation to « look in the same direction, » that of development and the future of the younger generations.Easing Political Tensions: While the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko was seen as a major step towards de-escalating tensions, the political reconciliation process remains delicate. Dialogue is extending to former adversaries, but challenges persist, including within the ruling coalition (Pastef), where observers note disagreements over the exercise of authority. The mission remains to prevent political squabbles from hindering the country’s transformation and to stay focused on meeting the people’s expectations.The national reconciliation process led by President Faye is intended to be a comprehensive commitment, encompassing politics, territory, justice, and regional diplomacy. It represents an effort to rebuild the foundations of trust and unity, a prerequisite for the success of the project to bring about a « break » with the past and develop Senegal. To demonstrate this commitment, the two days of the National Dialogue established by his predecessor are dedicated to justice and, above all, political dialogue. These presidential inclinations are not welcomed by everyone within the Pastef party, whose radicals hope for a crackdown on dignitaries of the former regimes.The latent crisis within the regime, which erupted into the open due to Mimi Touré’s decision to coordinate the relaunch of the Diomaye President Coalition, is also fueled by this desire to calm the political climate and close a rift that has been open since the events of March 2021-June 2023. To honor the « memory of the martyrs, » a day is planned for November 28, pending possible legal proceedings to shed light on the shadowy areas surrounding this explosive case.Today, Bassirou Diomaye Faye is embarking on a decisive political turning point, more than three years before the 2029 presidential election. While the supposed mediators are trying to reconcile the various positions, this prospect seems so distant given the significant political variables. Mimi Touré had begun the process of rebranding the coalition to equip Diomaye with a political machine, undoubtedly to further his political ambitions, provoking a torrent of excessive reactions on the Presidency’s Facebook page, the perpetrators of which will be tracked down by the cybercrime unit. Even though his intentions for this election are not clearly stated.At 45, it would be « human » to want to run for another five-year term. This possibility is an additional source of adrenaline within the presidential camp. Silent since the beginning of the « cold war, » Fadilou Keïta is launching a new attack. Just when everyone expected it to end, he declared: « The political response to the actions taken by Mimi Touré must be led by our local branches, in conjunction with all the party’s activist leaders within these coordinating bodies (ministers, directors general, members of parliament, board chairpersons, etc.). » He added: « In the name and on behalf of Pastef/Les Patriotes, we must act with strength and determination, and then begin preparing Ousmane Sonko’s candidacy for 2029, the potential results of which will be revealed by the 2027 local elections. We may have internal disagreements, but incursions into our ranks cannot be tolerated. » bsakho@lequotidien.sn