Senegal’s former prime minister, a candidate in the November 17 early parliamentary elections, promises to fight the high cost of living and restore hope to the Senegalese people with a pacifist and inclusive discourse.
Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, 63, heads the list of the Jamm Ak Njarign coalition, which means “peace and prosperity” in Wolof, for next Sunday’s early parliamentary elections. The candidate, who came second in the last presidential election with 35.79 percent of the vote, wants to work with the regime of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to relieve the burden on households and restore hope to the population.
“Together, we must fight against the high cost of living that affects the well-being of our households. Security, both physical and economic, is essential to create a climate of confidence and prosperity. On November 17, vote for change, vote for peace and stability, vote for hope. Give us the majority to make our collective voice heard and to work together for a prosperous and inclusive Senegal,” said Amadou Ba during his first campaign recording on the national television channel RTS, on the eve of the opening of the legislative campaign.
Amadou Ba’s list includes several former members of the Alliance for the Republic (APR), the party of former president Macky Sall, who also heads the list of the Takku-Wallu Sénégal (Together to Save Senegal) coalition. The rupture between the two men is not complete, as they have formed an intercoalition in areas where one of the opposition lists is better positioned to counter the list of Pastef, the ruling party led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Despite Sonko’s repeated criticism of his management, including a call for a public debate rejected by the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA), Amadou Ba stands out for his political maturity and deflects attacks. At the same time, the election campaign was marked by tensions. But the leader of New Responsibility, the party he founded after the last presidential election, is trying to win over voters with a pacifist and promising discourse.
Although Sonko is criticized for his lack of positive impact during his years in power, he responds from time to time, urging the head of government, whom he often reminds of having taught at the National School of Administration (ENA), to cut down on the rhetoric and focus better on his tasks.
“On November 17, 2024, we have a decisive rendezvous, a crucial moment to shape our common destiny.
The legislative elections are a unique opportunity to express your aspirations and expectations. By entrusting us with a majority in Parliament, you will give us the power to act to advance your interests. The revitalization of the economy is an absolute priority, and youth unemployment is a national tragedy,” said Amadou Ba, hoping to meet the expectations of the Senegalese people with whom he is campaigning.
Born in 1961, Amadou Ba is a graduate of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM).
He began his career in the Senegalese tax administration, rising to head the Directorate General of Taxes and Estates. In 2013, he was appointed by President Macky Sall as Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning, where he played a key role in the implementation of the Senegal Emerging Plan (PSE).
He then became Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2019, before being appointed Prime Minister in 2022. In the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections, he was nominated as the candidate of the Benno Bokk Yaakaar (Together for the Same Hope) coalition.
ODL/sf/ac/lb/as/APA