Senegal has launched a national dialogue under the theme “Rebuilding the Political System,” with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye presiding over the opening ceremony at the Abdou Diouf Conference Center in Diamniadio.
The five-day event, which began on May 28, brings together political leaders, civil society, and institutional representatives to reflect on the country’s political future outside the pressure of electoral deadlines.
President Faye emphasized the need to reform the system to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure electoral transparency, and foster national stability, citing past political unrest between 2021 and 2024.
While over 500 organizations and personalities are participating, including major parties from the former Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition and figures like former Prime Minister Amadou Bâ, some key political actors have chosen to boycott.
The Alliance for the Republic (APR) of former President Macky Sall is absent in protest over recent arrests of its members and perceived hostility from the current government.
Despite this, parties allied to Khalifa Sall and Idrissa Seck have joined the dialogue, which runs until June 4 and is expected to address electoral reforms, judicial roles in elections, and the status of the opposition.
