Sobriety remains the watchword of the new authorities.Two weeks after his installation as head of state, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is making his mark.Without fanfare, he is gradually rolling out his work plan.His swearing-in ceremony, the Independence Day celebrations and his visits to Touba and Tivaouane are moments marked by the seal of sobriety.As they await action in the area of governance, local authority workers have not granted a state of grace with the new regime.The resumption of their very long strike action illustrates the urgency of meeting their demands.

Sobriety on the march with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. For how much longer? It would be too early to answer that question. Are we heading for a Diomaye touch or method? In any case, two weeks after his official installation, the 5th President of the Republic is making his mark. From the swearing-in ceremony on 2 April to his visits to the khalifa generals of the Mourides and Tidianes in Touba and Tivaouane (he walked barefoot in the residence of Serigne Mountakha Mbacké and did the same to visit the mausoleum of Seydi El Hadj Malick Sy), to the official flag-raising ceremony to mark the 64th anniversary of Senegal’s accession to international sovereignty at the Palace of the Republic, President Bassirou Diomaye has been quietly going about his business.

On the political front, it was the same spirit of sobriety that characterised his first meeting with his allies in the « Diomaye Président » coalition at a local hotel.

First Visit to Touba and Tivaouane: The Pilgrimage of Diomaye

Even the outings of the Head of State, which are closely scrutinised by observers and other players in national life, are not brought to the attention of the general public until late in the day. Discretion seems to be the watchword of the country’s new authorities. This breaks with certain habits of previous governments or regimes.

Even Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s visit to the Administrative Building the day before yesterday was in keeping with this spirit. Similarly, in recent days, the handover ceremonies in the various ministries have been marked by sobriety. Even if cries of outrage from the « Patriots » of Koungheul contesting the presence of majority militants from Kaffrine at the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Town Planning, have altered the desire of the supporters of the « Project » to see their wish fulfilled at this stage of their governance.

While waiting for the first strong acts, another slogan is being sung by the authorities born of the third changeover on 24 March 2024: virtuous governance and the break with the past. These are two terms dear to the outgoing governments, which were led by President Macky Sall. But talk of a break with the past and of virtue is a long way from achieving the real, concrete objective. At a time when all this is being advocated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, workers such as those in the local authorities are reminding us that they have resumed their very long strike, that their demands must remain a priority for President Faye and his team of competent ministers. Perhaps the second meeting of the new government’s Council of Ministers will provide an opportunity to take bold measures to put an end to this long-running strike, which continues to affect many public service users.

By Mamadou T. DIATTA / mdiatta@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH