Amidst a period of significant political flux in Sénégal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a poignant message on Thursday, June 4th. Speaking at a national tribute for former President Abdoulaye Wade, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29th, Faye subtly addressed the ongoing disagreements with his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.

The head of state emphasized that “a quarrel, no matter how intense, should not be allowed to tear apart our shared nation.” He further articulated his vision for governance, stating that “democracy is not a prize to be seized and hoarded jealously,” but rather “a flame passed from one hand to another, which must never be extinguished.”

President Faye’s remarks follow his decision on May 22nd to remove Ousmane Sonko from his position, a move that came after several months of escalating differences between the two former political allies.

Earlier that week, on Tuesday evening, Ousmane Sonko, who leads the majority party in Sénégal and became President of the National Assembly on May 26th, described his relationship with President Faye as a “cohabitation situation.” During a press briefing, Sonko asserted, “He (Faye) does not possess all powers. He must descend from his pedestal, and we must engage in dialogue.”

“today’s adversary is not an enemy”

During the tribute to Abdoulaye Wade, an esteemed political figure who governed Sénégal from 2000 to 2012, President Faye directly addressed the former leader. “You taught us that a dispute, however profound, does not warrant tearing apart the nation we share (…), you taught us that empowering our youth is always superior to exploiting them.”

Just two days after Ousmane Sonko’s public statements, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye received a warm reception upon his arrival at the official ceremony held at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar. His address was met with applause on multiple occasions, particularly when he made veiled references to the nation’s political uncertainties and his recent separation from Sonko.

Faye reiterated a key lesson from Abdoulaye Wade: “Today’s adversary is not an enemy. They are a benevolent compatriot who views the country differently. And with whom, once the contest concludes, we must continue to peacefully coexist in the same home in Sénégal.” He underscored this point by adding, “One can disagree without tearing each other apart.”

Concluding his address, the Senegalese president commended the former leader’s unwavering spirit, noting his tendency “never to despair of Sénégal, or even of a companion who succumbs to acrimony and hatred of others.”