Most of Africa, at least West Africa, was agog to witness the change of leadership in Senegal two years ago. This was when young Diomaye Faye replaced Macky Sall who had spent 12 years in office. The win was a loud win for youth – Africa’s demographic dividend.
What made the joy even stronger was the circumstances leading to the election. How that the frontline opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko was incarcerated but gave his nod to his ally, Faye. The largely young Senegalese electorate filed behind that party in 2024 ensuring that a new guard occupied the Palace of the Republic in Dakar. In turn, Faye ensured that his leader, Sonko got the Prime Minister role.
Today, however, it seems that the sweet relationship has turned sour, for whatever reasons I am not so sure. But verified reports state that Ousmane Sonko has been sacked from his Prime Ministership role. Their followership base has been split in two, with many already screaming betrayal and threatening to vote out the incumbent Faye in 2029.
What Africa expected from Senegal was for it to be a viable statement for Youth leadership and for it to be a model to encourage other African countries to prioritize Youth in leadership. When Senegal won the African Cup of Nations early in the year, it was lovely to behold the camaraderie displayed between the political leaders and the football players, the generational divide being not far apart.
What has brought about this wedge between Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko? Is Senegal’s Peace under threat?
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