From Garba Ibn Hamza
In a bold political move, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on Thursday the dissolution of the opposition-dominated National Assembly, setting the stage for new legislative elections on November 17.
Speaking on national television, Faye stated that the dissolution was necessary to secure the "institutional means" to fulfill his pledge of systemic transformation for the West African nation.
Faye, who was elected in March 2024 on a platform of radical change, sovereignty, and pan-Africanism alongside Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has faced obstacles in implementing his policies due to the lack of a parliamentary majority.
“The time has come to open a new phase in our term,” said the 44-year-old head of state.
Three-quarters of Senegal’s population is under 35, and Faye’s campaign garnered significant support among the youth.
However, efforts to enact his ambitious agenda have been hindered by an uncooperative National Assembly.
Under Senegalese law, Faye was allowed to dissolve the parliament starting from September 12, a power he has now exercised in a bid to gain the majority needed to push through his reforms.
In his address, Faye also criticized the prior administration’s handling of public finances, accusing former president Macky Sall of concealing financial excesses.
He promised transparency moving forward, stating that a report by the court of auditors would soon be made public.
“The pledge of a frank collaboration with the parliamentary majority was an illusion,” Faye remarked, further accusing the opposition of deliberately obstructing his administration’s progress.
The upcoming elections will now determine whether Faye can secure the legislative support necessary to drive his agenda forward.
