The two former presidents of Senegal, Abdou Diouf and Abdoulaye Wade, formerly  political adversaries, have taught the current generation that politicians are not « enemies » but adversaries. Commenting on the political tension arising from the postponement of the presidential election, the two statesmen warned President Macky Sall and his opponents that they had no right to do less than they did.

Fierce adversaries when one of them, Abdou Diouf, was in power and Abdoulaye Wade in opposition, the two statesmen used their caps as former Presidents of the Republic to express their views on the political situation in Senegal. This political situation is marked by tension following the postponement of the presidential election decided by President Macky Sall and ratified by the National Assembly.
« It is with great sadness that we learn of the recent events that have shaken our beloved Senegal and that have taken the lives of three of our young compatriots. We offer our most sincere condolences to their families and loved ones », said Presidents Abdoulaye Wade and Abdou Diouf in a joint statement signed by themselves.

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These two former heads of state taught a lesson to political players who are more inclined to let their egos do the talking than to give priority to dialogue with their counterparts. The two heads of state offering themselves as examples to the latter, showed them the way forward. « We come to you as former Presidents of the Republic of Senegal, fathers of Senegalese democracy, but also former political adversaries who vigorously opposed each other in the past. We have been able to discuss and engage in dialogue in the interests of Senegal, to put an end to our differences and political crisis, with the sole aim of preserving peace. You don’t have the right to do less than us », said Presidents Diouf and Wade.  They called on young people to keep a low profile and not to resort to violence.

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« We call on our young people, whose frustrations we understand, to stop the violence and destruction of property immediately, and above all to take a step back so as not to be manipulated by outside forces with obscure designs », they say.  The two former presidents gave the contents of their discussion with President Macky Sall. « We have just had a long telephone conversation with the President of the Republic, Mr Macky Sall, who reaffirmed his commitment, made before the nation on July 3, not to seek a third term in office and to leave power immediately after the presidential election. He has pledged to spare no effort to preserve Senegal’s stability, and we have asked him to organise as soon as possible the national dialogue he has announced, which we fervently hope will lead to broad national reconciliation in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. » This exchange was confirmed by President Macky Sall to sources who contacted him. His two predecessors say they are in favour of holding a dialogue between political players to iron out any differences.

« We call on all political leaders, both those in power and those in opposition, as well as civil society leaders, to take part in frank and fair discussions, so that the next presidential election on 15 December 2024 is held under perfectly transparent, inclusive and indisputable conditions. They have a duty to ensure that Senegal remains the model of democracy for Africa. History will judge them.”

This is the message from Senegal’s two former presidents to the political players.

By Amadou MBODJI / ambodji@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH / Serigne S. DIAGNE