Senegal’s Prime Minister Amadou Bâ has been named as the ruling coalition’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for February 25. The investiture ceremony, which confirmed Bâ’s candidacy, took place in Dakar and was attended by delegates from the ruling party and its allied factions. This nomination was officially declared by party spokesperson Seydou Guèye.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Bâ committed to leading the country towards further progress. He emphasized the importance of continuing the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), a significant development initiative started by outgoing President Macky Sall. Bâ, who has been leading the government since September 2022, shared his vision for enhancing peace, prosperity, and equitable wealth distribution across the nation.
Senegal’s President Macky Sall, pictured here at an African Union summit in February 2023, has said he will not run for a third term in next year’s presidential election. © Tiksa Negeri, Reuters file photo
President Macky Sall, who has chosen Bâ as his successor, underscored the future challenges the country faces, including youth unemployment and illegal migration. Sall expressed his confidence in Bâ’s capability to address these issues, drawing on his familiarity with the government’s goals and objectives.
The political atmosphere in Senegal has been complex, with over 200 candidates reportedly declaring their intention to run for the presidency. The landscape is marked by competition from within the ruling party and notable opposition figures, creating a diverse and dynamic political environment.
The political and diplomatic context in Senegal and the wider region is also influenced by recent events, including strained relations with France and regional developments like the closure of the French embassy in Niger. These factors add layers of complexity to the country’s political narrative as it approaches the presidential election.
