Senegal’s government formation sparks debates on democracy and governance

Senegal’s political landscape is facing intense scrutiny following the recent appointment of a new 30-member cabinet by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô. The formation of this government has intensified divisions, particularly with the absence of key figures from the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko, who has chosen not to participate. Instead, the team comprises technocrats and allies of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, with no prominent Pastef members included. This move underscores the growing rift between President Faye and Sonko, despite Faye’s own membership in the party.

Debating legitimacy and governance in Senegal’s new cabinet

What are your thoughts on the new government? Does its composition raise concerns about democratic legitimacy or electoral support?

Aminata Touré: It’s essential to remember the core principles of democracy. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was democratically elected by 54% of Senegalese voters, and as such, he has the mandate to appoint his Prime Minister and approve the government proposed by the Prime Minister. This government represents a choice focused on effectiveness. Beyond any political debates, the Senegalese people’s primary concern is that their leaders get to work and address the nation’s challenges. That’s what matters most.

Given that Pastef holds a majority in the National Assembly led by Ousmane Sonko, do you fear this cohabitation could hinder the executive’s ability to govern?

The president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is a member of Pastef, and several ministers in this government are also from the party. This is an internal party matter. If everyone respects their roles and prioritizes Senegal’s interests, there should be no issues. We must avoid turning institutions into tools for personal ambitions. Constant domestic disputes serve no purpose and only undermine the very people we aim to serve. Each institution—whether the National Assembly, the executive, or the judiciary—has a role to play, including the Constitutional Council, which ensures laws align with the constitution. The Senegalese people are watching closely, and they will judge based on actions, not words.

Addressing concerns over accountability and debt restructuring

There have been concerns about disagreements between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, particularly regarding accountability and perceived leniency on this front. Does this government signal the end of the moralization of political life that Pastef had promised?

Why would it? This could mark the beginning of a new era of accountability aligned with judicial independence. Accountability is not the same as settling scores. I’ve served as Minister of Justice, so I understand the distinction. You may dislike a political opponent, but that doesn’t mean a judge will convict them. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye remains committed to accountability—not to settling personal vendettas.

Another critical issue is debt. Ousmane Sonko has consistently opposed restructuring with the International Monetary Fund. Will this new government adopt a different approach?

This isn’t an ideological question; it’s a practical one. When you owe money to creditors and struggle to repay it—whether due to underestimating debt or hiding it—you must find a way to manage it. Reprofiling is inevitable, and discussions with partners are necessary. However, these partners must understand that we cannot repeat the mistakes of the structural adjustment programs of the 1980s, which led to cuts in social programs, layoffs, and increased poverty. It took decades to recover from those policies. Today, we aren’t discussing austerity; we’re talking about finding a sustainable path forward for both the country and its people. A debt must be reprofiled, and discussions must be held to establish a strategy that benefits everyone.

Could the refusal of Pastef to participate in this government be seen as a strategy to undermine President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration in favor of positioning Ousmane Sonko for the 2029 presidential race?

Everyone has the right to aspire to the presidency, just as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has the right to seek a second term. The central question isn’t about personal ambitions but about what the Senegalese people want. They don’t need a three-year electoral campaign that would only distract from solving the pressing issues they face. What they need now is decisive action to address their challenges. The Prime Minister’s goal is to deliver results and drive change. The electoral competition will happen in due time. Sabotaging the government would mean sabotaging the very people we serve. As I’ve emphasized, democracy must be allowed to function. Disagreements are natural, but the focus must always remain on the country’s best interests.