As Senegal’s new leadership takes shape, President Diomaye Faye has initiated a series of national consultations, marking a departure from the traditional May 28 dialogue day established by his predecessor.

Instead of the annual gathering with civil society groups, Faye announced plans for a ten-day consultation period with key stakeholders including NGOs, political parties, traditional leaders, and religious figures. This move reflects his commitment to fostering dialogue as a cornerstone of governance.

Political analyst Maurice Soundieck Dione, a professor at the University of Gaston Berger in Saint-Louis, views this approach as a deliberate strategy to project an image of openness. ‘It’s a way to affirm his reputation as a leader who values dialogue,’ Dione noted. The consultations also aim to address criticism from opposition parties, particularly regarding the controversial electoral law reform and the broader constitutional amendments currently under discussion.

Prime Minister Sonko addresses the National Assembly

In parallel, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is set to address lawmakers at the National Assembly on May 22, a scheduled event that has drawn attention due to its timing.

While such sessions are part of the parliamentary calendar, their proximity to the president’s consultation initiative raises questions. Analyst Assane Samb suggests that better coordination between the two leaders could have avoided potential overlap. However, observers like Dione see this as a reflection of the current political dynamics in Senegal, where both leaders appear keen to assert their influence and visibility.