Wade's Country
The present situation in Senegal is at a decisive turning point in its history. We have, on the one hand, a power that is very uncertain about its survival and that seeks solutions of all kinds for its continuity but which, of its own accord, has deprived itself of the bases that can guarantee it. On the other hand, there is an opposition [represented in the main by the group Benno Siggil Sénégal (Together to save Senegal)] that is trying hard to elaborate concepts and strategies [most importantly abolishing the presidential regime in favor of a parliamentary regime] in order radically to change the nature of the state and of power but which must overcome the difficulties and obstacles that lie in the path of a sustainable unity.
And then, between these traditional forces, a civil society has emerged that brings real hope to those that now doubt the capacity of the parties to get the country going again, because they themselves have contributed to create the present difficult situation.
This is why the Senegalese are confronted by a challenge of enormous importance, which is fundamentally political. They must take in hand their own destiny and define the priorities of their country, involving themselves in action so that they are at the heart of the state’s policies. For this to happen new forms of political organisation – other channels expressing all opinions – are clearly necessary. And this must be implemented so that a change takes place as soon as possible, to avoid yet another lost decade, exacerbating even further the distress of our Senegal’s people.
Senegalese intellectual Sidy Diop writing (in translation from his original French text) in Pambazuka News on the what is to done in Senegal.
Image Credit: Erick Christian Ahounou (2008)
