8 months after Diomaye-Sonko election, Senegal is still waiting for the change: Video
Eight months after the historic election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, many Senegalese citizens are still waiting for the promised changes to materialise.
The election, which took place in March 2024, was marked by high hopes and significant expectations for reform and progress.
President Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Sonko campaigned on a platform of sweeping reforms aimed at tackling corruption, improving economic conditions, and securing a greater share of the country's natural resources for its people.
Their victory was seen as a break from the political system of former President Macky Sall, with promises of a new era for Senegal.
However, the public sentiment now shows disappointment and the hastiness to change the government come 2029.
"They talked to us about projects, but so far they haven't done anything. They've done nothing. The Senegalese were expecting more of them, but for the moment they've done nothing," Mamoudou Soumare, a student shared with AFP.
On the other hand, Malick Fall, a shopkeeper shared: "I would have preferred the political parties to stop fighting, the left and the right. They should talk to us about the problems of the Senegalese people. The high cost of living, rent, youth employability and health too. Because we're in the 21st century, normally a Senegalese who's sick no longer should have to pay for treatment. That's a problem."
Despite the initial optimism, the new administration has faced significant challenges. One of the major hurdles has been the lack of a parliamentary majority, which has hindered the government's ability to pass key legislation.
This political gridlock led President Faye to dissolve the opposition-led National Assembly and call for snap elections scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024.
"In any case, the Senegalese are not crazy. For example, if they (Pastef) have a majority in the National Assembly, if they do nothing, then we'll change them. In 2029, we're waiting for them. We'll get rid of them and bring in someone else who can change Senegal. That's all there is to it," Mamoudou Soumare added.
