April 08, 2024

How Senegal became Africa's beacon of democracy

topic:	Democracy
located:	Senegal
editor:	Bob Koigi

A few weeks ago, Senegal held elections where a little-known opposition chief, arrested and detained without trial, defeated the sitting government's preferred candidate to take over the office. 

In one of the nation's most historic elections, 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye was sworn to office to become Africa's youngest head of state. 

The election has attracted global attention and rubberstamped Senegal as a bastion of democracy. 

Since the country attained its independence six decades ago, it has had four seamless and peaceful power transfers.

That robust democratic space comes in the wake of endemic coups in neighbouring states, including Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali and autocratic regimes in other parts of Africa. 

In Senegal, democracy was under threat in the run-up to the elections, with then President Macky Sall detaining opposition leaders and dissenting voices without trial and postponing election dates to hold on to power. 

However, Senegal's democratic culture, driven by protests by youth and civil society groups coupled with independent institutions like the country's Supreme Court and Constitutional Council, forced the government to commit and respect election cycles and release political prisoners. 

With elections concluded and the campaign fever behind the West African country, it is now time for the new government to take charge with full intray. 

In a country where most of the population is below 30 years old, the youth look up to the president for hope and economic empowerment when most have been frustrated by the lack of jobs and opportunities. 

The citizenry is looking for improved living standards; the country is hungry for an inclusive government. Having experienced threats to democracy, the government should work on strengthening democratic institutions and respecting and protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly. 

African youth, who form the lion's share of the continent's population, can find inspiration in Senegal. The continent can learn crucial lessons from Senegal on the peaceful transfer of power, democratic transition, and respect for the will of the people. The government of Senegal has the power to inspire a new wave of democracy in Africa. 

Image by DEZALB.