Summary
Dakar. As Senegal prepares for the anticipated legislative elections on November 17, the political campaign reveals surprising alliances and contradictions within the Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko. Once firmly opposed to political opportunism or “transhumance,” Sonko now welcomes unexpected support from former adversaries, a strategy that could secure him a parliamentary majority but also risks tarnishing his image of integrity. With Macky Sall’s return to the scene from abroad and the rise of Amadou Ba, these elections are reshaping power dynamics in Senegal, where each camp is striving to stake its place in a context of intense political realignment.
Unexpected Alliances: A Strategic Shift for Pastef
On November 3, during a rally in Kolda, a city near the border with Guinea-Bissau, Ousmane Sonko’s campaign saw a major boost with the endorsement of two prominent local political figures: Mame Boye Diao and Abdourahmane Baldé. These former rivals, previously aligned with former President Macky Sall, reconciled publicly and announced their support for Sonko, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign leading up to the legislative elections. This unexpected support took many political observers by surprise, especially since Baldé had previously voiced concerns about Sonko’s often radical positions.
This alliance reflects a broader shift among figures from the former presidential majority seeking a new place in Senegal’s political landscape. Former minister Gallo Ba, mayor of Mbacké, and Adji Mergane Kanouté, once vice-president of the Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) parliamentary group, have also joined Pastef. Kanouté’s decision, announced during the campaign, reinforces the impression of a profound political reshuffling, with key figures willing to switch sides.
Sonko’s Contradictions on Political Transhumance
Ousmane Sonko, who has long criticized political transhumance—where politicians switch parties for convenience—now finds himself in a difficult position. During his years in opposition, Sonko vowed to end this practice, which he deemed detrimental to the country’s political stability. Today, however, his party welcomes former members of the ruling majority, sparking criticism both within his ranks and among parts of his electorate.
Internal divisions have become particularly evident following the appointment of Samba Ndiaye, a former close ally of Macky Sall, to head the National Housing Corporation (SN/HLM). Some Pastef members voiced their dissatisfaction with what they see as a departure from the party’s founding principles. Sonko attempted to ease tensions, promising that the party would remain vigilant about the quality and integrity of its allies. However, the handling of political transhumance may weaken Pastef’s long-term credibility.
Macky Sall’s Comeback: The Shadow from Marrakech
While Sonko strengthens his influence in Senegal, former President Macky Sall is making a strategic return from abroad. Officially retired from politics after leaving office, Sall has settled in Marrakech, Morocco, where he has been pursuing international projects. However, pressure from judicial investigations and accusations of financial manipulation during his administration have driven him to reposition himself politically.
Now heading the Takku Wallu coalition, Macky Sall has rallied members of his former party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR), and the Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS), led by Abdoulaye Wade. This coalition may weaken Pastef in the legislative elections by attracting the former majority’s electorate. For Sall, this new alliance is a way to protect his former collaborators, many of whom face legal action in Senegal, and to maintain an indirect influence on Senegalese politics.
Amadou Ba: A Strategic Rival and Vocal Critic
Meanwhile, Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister and a leading figure opposing Sonko, is carefully positioning himself as a viable alternative. His criticism of Pastef and Sonko’s alliances on the issue of political transhumance has garnered support within the opposition. Already active on the political scene as the leader of the Jamm Ak Njarin coalition, Ba has not hesitated to denounce what he sees as political opportunism on Sonko’s part, reminding voters of Sonko’s past promises to ban transhumance.
These repeated attacks aim to paint Sonko as a symbol of political inconsistency, a strategy that could boost Ba’s popularity among Senegalese voters looking for transparency and coherence in their government. Ba’s stance also allows him to assert himself as a counterbalance to Pastef, scoring political points ahead of upcoming electoral events.
Repercussions for Senegal’s Political Landscape
The legislative elections on November 17 are seen as a turning point for Senegal, where each camp seeks a parliamentary majority to influence the country’s future. A victory for Pastef and its new allies would allow Sonko to implement his reform agenda and establish himself as a dominant figure in Senegalese politics. However, the opportunistic alliances within his party raise questions about his message’s coherence and could undermine his authority if transhumance continues to divide his supporters.
In this context, Macky Sall’s return and Amadou Ba’s rise are reshaping the balance of power in Senegal. Should Pastef dominate, it could drive ambitious reforms and mark a significant shift in the country’s political practices. Yet, a united opposition under Takku Wallu and Jamm Ak Njarin might counter this dominance, pushing Sonko to temper his radical transformation agenda.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Senegal
The 2024 legislative elections mark a crossroads for Senegalese democracy. Amid political realignment, Ousmane Sonko must prove that his party can embody sustainable change while addressing criticism over transhumance and strategic alliances. Facing an increasingly skeptical electorate, these elections will determine whether Pastef can become a force for reform, or if the return of figures like Macky Sall and Ba’s rise will maintain a balance of power.
By accepting last-minute alliances, Sonko and Pastef are entering a race where ethics and strategy are at odds. The future of Senegalese politics now hinges on each camp’s ability to mobilize its electorate and present a cohesive vision for Senegal’s future.
© Odon Bulamba / Africa Daily Report
