Senegal: Sonko Unveils Agenda as Opposition Voices Skepticism

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has presented his political program, but rival parties remain doubtful about its feasibility and intentions.

Following several months of debates and tensions, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko finally delivered his General Policy Declaration on Friday.

The public and the deputies eagerly awaited the speech. In his address, he detailed the key elements of the current administration’s program under Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Among the key announcements, significant attention was drawn to the repeal of the amnesty law that had previously enabled President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko’s release from prison by President Macky Sall. This move, though largely symbolic, ignited political controversy. Additionally, the Prime Minister discussed visa reciprocity issues, revealing plans for measures akin to those imposed on Senegal by certain other countries.

Nonetheless, the declaration failed to persuade all deputies, especially those from the opposition. Deputy Thierno Alassane Sall, noted for his critical view of the regime, expressed skepticism regarding the practicality of the promises made by the Prime Minister. He explicitly cautioned against incurring excessive national debt to fund this ambitious program.

The General Policy Declaration was presented in a politically charged atmosphere between the ruling party and its opposition. Prior to this, there were threats of a no-confidence vote against Ousmane Sonko that resulted in the dissolution of the National Assembly and prompted early legislative elections. These elections culminated in a victory for Pastef, the ruling party, allowing the Prime Minister to deliver his speech with minimal resistance.

In this context, Ousmane Sonko’s government program was greeted with high expectations yet faced considerable skepticism, especially from opponents who considered some of the proposals to be unrealistic.