## Senegal: A year after the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye – What prospects for an uncertain future?
On March 24, 2024 will be marked in the Annals of Senegal as the big day when the country crossed a decisive threshold in its democratic history, by placing for the first time an opposition candidate at the head of the State in the first round. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the candidate of the Pastef party, promised the Senegalese a new future, eclipizing a decade of power from the previous regime. But a year after this emblematic election, the question arises: has Senegal really entered a new era or is it a simple change of facade, masking deeply rooted challenges?
### Governance marked by transparency … and its limits
The arrival of Faye to the presidency was greeted by many Senegalese as a renaissance. The president quickly undertook measures to make the state more transparent and responsible. The promises of a fierce fight against corruption, going as far as five -year audiences have aroused tangible hope. This seems in agreement with the trend observed in other nations of the region, where the empowerment of governments has caused a form of democratic rebirth.
However, the audits have also uncovered a dark reality: public debt which borders on 100 % of GDP, a disastrous heritage of the previous administration. This discovery caused a shock, both economically and socially, and highlights the fragility of the Faye roadmap. The initial enthusiasm could easily turn into disillusionment if the reforms do not result in tangible results quickly.
### Balance between economic promises and realities
The dilemma is palpable: the ambitions of the new authorities are hampered by a difficult economic reality. The growing impatience of the population in the face of unwarmed promises could lead to social movements, reminiscent of waves of disputes that have shaken the country in the past, especially in 2012 and 2019. Let us compare this with South Africa, where the arrival of Cyril Ramaphosa to the presidency aroused great hopes of transparency, but was quickly affected by corruption scandals and economic crises.
In Senegal, threats of strike and the increase in social dissatisfaction could give rise to a politically dangerous climate of instability, especially in a country that has always managed to maintain relative social harmony. Economic challenges, such as the blazing of the cost of living and unemployment, exacerbate the situation. However, solutions to these problems require unpopular decisions, going against promises of change.
## Legislative execution and power dynamics
Another aspect that deserves particular attention is legislative power. With an absolute majority in Parliament, the power party is under pressure to act quickly. The frustrations have intensified in the face of slowness in the adoption of reforms, such as the amendment of the penal code, which could be perceived both as an urgent necessity and as a subject of deep division in society. In this context, President Faye will have to navigate through a political mines field, taking into account the divergent interests of his voters.
In this regard, the expertise of civil society is crucial. Organizations like Raddho highlight the need for inexpensive but effective legislative reforms. If the Faye administration can rely on this dynamic to promulgate laws that promote change in the field, this could play in its favor and strengthen its legitimacy.
### The economic future: towards increased dependence?
Finally, the economic future of Senegal is closely linked to international resources. The vulgar resort to IMF to finance upcoming reforms raises concerns about increased dependence on international financial institutions. This dynamic could ultimately restrict the freedom of action of Senegalese decision -makers and create frustrations among the population that has long fought for maximum regional independence and sovereignty.
By comparing the current situation in the case of Ghana, which, after having requested IMF funds, was imposed itself austerity measures which caused a general distrust between citizens and the government, we can fear a similar scenario for Senegal.
### to an uncertain path
In conclusion, a year after the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal is at a crossroads. Although the government has promised an era of transparency and equity, increased economic challenges and increasing expectations of citizens make the task of the executive particularly difficult. To avoid falling back into a spiral of frustration and contestation, Faye and his team will not only have to act quickly, but also to ensure that each political decision is in harmony with the expectations and needs of the population.
The path to go will be strewn with pitfalls, but this is where the true essence of democracy lies: the ability to sail through crises while listening to the people. The fate of Senegal in this new era remains to be written, but dialogue between the different actors is essential to forge a real better future.