The President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, will on Thursday, September 12, address the nation in a particularly tense context, according to the presidency’s Facebook page.
The country has been hit by a series of tragedies in recent days that have deeply affected the population. A series of road accidents have claimed many lives. More recently, a maritime tragedy hit the town of Mbour on the West Coast of the country. The capsizing of a pirogue carrying migrants led to the death and disappearance of many people.
These tragic events have plunged the country into collective mourning, and President Faye is expected to address these issues in his speech, possibly outlining measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Beyond these recent tragedies, President Faye’s speech is eagerly awaited for the political changes it could herald. The Head of State could use this address to the nation to announce the dissolution of the National Assembly and the calling of new legislative elections.
This decision, if confirmed, will mark a major turning point in Senegalese political life. The National Assembly is currently dominated by the Benno Bokk Yaakaar coalition, which was in power between 2012 and 2024, before Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected president.
Calling new parliamentary elections could be seen as a strategic manoeuvre by President Faye. A parliamentary majority will make it easier for him to implement his ‘programme of change’, the central promise of his presidential campaign.
ARD/te/lb/GIK/APA