Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, announced on Thursday that he has dissolved the National Assembly and scheduled new elections for November 17. Faye made this decision public through a televised address, stating that the move was necessary to push forward the changes he had promised to the people of Senegal.
Faye, who won the presidency in March 2024, came to power with a bold vision for reform. He emphasized that this was the moment to begin a new chapter in his leadership, pointing to his campaign platform of sovereignty and leftist pan-Africanism, which particularly resonated with Senegal’s youthful population, where the majority are under 35.
Despite his electoral victory, Faye’s government has faced challenges in advancing its agenda due to a lack of parliamentary support. With the constitution allowing him to dissolve the opposition-led assembly after September 12, he has taken this step to seek a majority that will back his policy changes.
In his address, Faye expressed frustration with the parliamentary majority, accusing them of blocking progress. He criticized their focus on obstruction rather than collaboration and highlighted the mismanagement of public finances under his predecessor, Macky Sall. Faye also mentioned that a report from the court of auditors, shedding light on financial excesses, would be released soon.
With the upcoming legislative elections, Faye is aiming to secure the support needed to implement his vision for Senegal’s future.
