SONKO vs DIOMAYE: Deja Vu
The current political situation in Senegal, by drawing a parallel with the 1962 crisis between Mamadou Dia and Léopold Sédar Senghor, as well as with the tensions between Chirac and Giscard, we must first understand the historical and current contexts.
Historical context: The 1962 crisis between Mamadou Dia and Léopold Sédar Senghor
The political crisis of 1962 in Senegal marked a decisive turning point in the country’s history. Mamadou Dia, then Prime Minister, and Léopold Sédar Senghor, President of the Republic, were the two central figures of this crisis. On December 17, 1962, a motion of censure was filed against the government of Mamadou Dia, accused of attempted coup d’état. Dia was arrested and imprisoned, which led to the end of the two-headed parliamentary regime and the beginning of a strong presidential regime under Senghor.
Parallel to the current situation: Sonko vs Diomaye
Today, Senegal is experiencing a new period of political tensions, this time between Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. According to some analysts, the current situation is reminiscent of that of 1962, with tensions between the two heads of the executive. Yoro Dia, a political analyst, believes that the break between Sonko and Diomaye is inevitable, comparing the current situation to that of Senghor and Dia.
Comparison with the tensions between Chirac and Giscard
The tensions between Jacques Chirac and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in France in the 1970s can also serve as a point of comparison. Chirac, then Prime Minister under the presidency of Giscard, finally resigned in 1976 due to profound disagreements over the management of the country. This period was marked by power struggles and political divergences similar to those observed in Senegal today.
The current situation in Senegal is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, President Diomaye Faye seems to be adopting a moderate and soothing speech, aimed at reassuring international partners and donors. On the other hand, Ousmane Sonko, with his disruptive and often provocative speech, seeks to mobilize the popular base and push radical reforms.
The current crisis between Sonko and Diomaye, although different in its details, recalls the historical tensions between Dia and Senghor, as well as between Chirac and Giscard. These comparisons show that power struggles at the top of the state are not a new phenomenon and can have profound consequences on the political stability and development of the country. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop and what the repercussions will be for Senegal.
PSKA
DIRPUB
