I was in Senegal during the elections last year when Faye was elected and Sonko released from prison. It was very tense, Internet was cut by government (which never happens in Senegal), people were on the street, public transport between departments was forbidden and many feared coup d'etat. While I cannot comment meaningfully on PASTEF political decisions, they are emanation of growing tension in Senegal, related to the overwhelming post-colonialism. Many industry sectors remain fully controlled by French businesses and this effectively blocks progress and drains money out of country . People in Senegal were turning openly hostile to this, and it was often heard in conversations. I think this creates strong tension in Senegalese society, and so something needs to change or else this tension will grow.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. It certainly sounded tense from everything I read at the time. And I definitely agree that the tensions remain high. My concern is that despite some bold rhetoric, Faye and Sonko may ultimately not be able to deliver much reform.
I was in Senegal during the elections last year when Faye was elected and Sonko released from prison. It was very tense, Internet was cut by government (which never happens in Senegal), people were on the street, public transport between departments was forbidden and many feared coup d'etat. While I cannot comment meaningfully on PASTEF political decisions, they are emanation of growing tension in Senegal, related to the overwhelming post-colonialism. Many industry sectors remain fully controlled by French businesses and this effectively blocks progress and drains money out of country . People in Senegal were turning openly hostile to this, and it was often heard in conversations. I think this creates strong tension in Senegalese society, and so something needs to change or else this tension will grow.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. It certainly sounded tense from everything I read at the time. And I definitely agree that the tensions remain high. My concern is that despite some bold rhetoric, Faye and Sonko may ultimately not be able to deliver much reform.