Senegal’s President Dissolves Opposition-led Parliament

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-led parliament, setting new legislative elections for November 17. Faye, who was elected in March 2024 on promises of radical change, cited the need for institutional support to carry out his policy agenda as the reason for the dissolution. His administration, which includes Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, campaigned on a platform of sovereignty and leftist pan-Africanism. This appealed to Senegal’s largely youthful population, leading to his election. However, the government has been hindered by the opposition, which maintained a majority in the National Assembly. The dissolution aims to give Faye a legislative majority to implement his reforms. While announcing the dissolution, he accused the parliamentary majority of obstructing his plans and criticized the financial management under his predecessor, Macky Sall, alleging hidden spending excesses. A report on the financial mismanagement issues is expected to be published soon.

SOURCE: LE MONDE