Taxawu Sénégal held its constitutive congress in Dakar on Sunday, May 10, marking its official transition from a political platform to a structured party. Under the theme «From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, united and prosperous Senegal», the event brought together activists, leaders and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.
a historic shift with a bold agenda
At the close of proceedings, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was acclaimed by delegates as the party’s leader, in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and strong commitment. In a speech that blended sharp critique with forward-looking proposals, the new chair of Taxawu Sénégal delivered a sweeping assessment of the nation’s challenges. He highlighted « deep concerns » and « real hardships faced daily by our compatriots. »
« Across our cities and countryside, in every neighborhood and village, one reality is undeniable: the people of Senegal feel—and I would say know—that promises of social justice, prosperity and transparency are still unmet, » declared Khalifa Sall before the assembled delegates.
addressing a nation in crisis
The socialist leader painted a picture of a country grappling with multiple social crises: teachers seeking recognition, students protesting harsh study conditions, workers demanding better labor standards, and farmers, fishermen and women facing increasingly fragile economic realities. « Our farmers are in total disarray, » he stressed, warning of the « progressive depletion of fishery resources » that threatens coastal communities and Senegal’s maritime economy.
He also drew attention to the plight of youth, characterized by mass unemployment and a resurgence of clandestine emigration. « When a nation’s youth falter, the entire country trembles. A directionless youth signals a future without momentum, » he cautioned. He captured the paradox with a striking line: « You can find young people looking for work; you cannot find young people who have found work. »
a renewed social contract
In response, Taxawu Sénégal is positioning itself with a new political offering centered on a « reimagined social contract. » For Khalifa Sall, this begins with a state that is « impartial, efficient in its operations, and exemplary in its governance, » alongside improved access to education, healthcare, employment and social protection for all citizens.
The party advocates for stronger decentralization, empowering local governments with autonomy, transparent budgets and participatory governance that brings decision-making closer to the people. Institutionally, it calls for an independent judiciary, free from « selective justice » or restrictions on public freedoms.
« A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an autocracy in denial, » he asserted, reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression, press freedom and political pluralism.
sovereignty, solidarity and a socialist vision
Khalifa Sall also addressed international geopolitical and economic challenges, urging a Senegalese diplomacy rooted in « peace, multilateralism, African solidarity and economic sovereignty » in a world riven by conflict, geopolitical tensions and economic instability.
He reaffirmed Taxawu Sénégal’s socialist identity, stating, « We are socialists. We cannot accept a system where inequality is passed down from generation to generation. » The party’s vision is built on a « structuring triad »: « Humanity, Water and Land, » aiming to foster a productive and distributive economy that generates wealth and shares its benefits equitably.
In a final rallying cry, he urged left-leaning groups to unite around a credible alternative to address Senegal’s current challenges. « Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength—and it will be our victory, » he concluded, to resounding applause from the delegates.
