For several weeks, the public conversation in Senegal has been dominated by alarmist interpretations of the current institutional state. While some observers point to a major crisis or a dangerous power struggle, it is clear that these events go beyond individual political actors. We are witnessing a fundamental redefinition of how democracy functions in our country.

Historical analyses often highlight that since 1963, the Senegalese political system has been centered around an oversized Executive branch. This heavy centralisation has traditionally created friction whenever a duality of power emerged at the highest levels of government.

However, many analyses miss a vital development: for the first time in more than two decades, Senegal possesses a Parliament that is no longer subservient to the President of the Republic.

During the twenty-year span under the administrations of Wade and Sall, the legislature often acted as a mere rubber stamp for the Executive. This resulted in a profound institutional imbalance where the Constitution was frequently modified or interpreted to serve the interests of those in power. Such opportunistic adjustments undermined the legal stability of the nation.

In the past, Senegal operated under a system where the presidency controlled all levers of power, making any form of political cohabitation seem like a recipe for disaster. This is precisely why the current situation should be viewed as a democratic rebirth. The Parliament is finally stepping out of the Executive’s shadow to embrace its constitutional duties. This is not a sign of failure, but rather the healthy breathing of a maturing democracy.

The example of France is particularly relevant here. In the French system, the National Assembly often rejects presidential proposals, and cohabitation is a common occurrence. These tensions are not viewed as crises but as essential balancing acts that prevent the monopolisation of power. What is being labeled a “crisis” in Senegal today is actually the emergence of a culture of checks and balances.

This is a pivotal moment in history. For the first time, our democracy is testing the strength of its institutions through balance rather than blind obedience. Senegal is not on the brink of collapse; it is adjusting to a more balanced and normal democratic state.

The country is discovering what established democracies have known for years: the importance of negotiation, the reality of shared power, and the limitation of the Executive by the Legislative branch. This shift is an unprecedented opportunity rather than a descent into chaos.

An opportunity to strengthen democracy

This transition forces us to reconsider our institutional framework, bolster our parliamentary traditions, and solidify the rules of the constitutional game. By encouraging civic engagement and strengthening counter-powers, we build a more resilient nation.

This is how countries like Cape Verde, Ghana, Botswana, and South Africa have established themselves as democratic leaders in Africa. Even when facing significant challenges—such as the legal pressures on President Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa following the Farmgate scandal—these nations rely on their institutions to regulate conflict and maintain a lasting equilibrium.

Senegal now has the chance to enter this prestigious group. We should embrace and support this evolution. A powerful democracy is not defined by a lack of conflict, but by the maturity of its institutions and the independence of its Parliament. This moment is a rebirth, marking perhaps the most significant institutional progress for the country in twenty years.

Lansana Gagny SAKHO
President of the Circle of Public Administrators