By Salieu Taal
The crises in Senegal is beyond President Macky Sall and Ousman Sonko. The Sonko Saga just provided a context or opportunity for a deprived, disgruntled, marginalized youth to vent their anger, frustrations and hopelessness. (This is not an endorsement of violence or destruction of property for whatever reason for the record). I hope President Macky Sall and other African leaders will draw lessons from the Senegal experience and other countries. In summary, we need a paradigm shift both in our politics and our developments models.
Our politics of zero-sum game built around individuals and elites with vested interests, will not transform our countries. We need more consensus-based/building politics that ensures the powers given/ entrusted to our leaders are sufficiently checked by Independent institutions and serve the interests of the citizenry. In other words, we do not need imperial Presidents as that only leads to dictatorship in its different forms. We also do not need an overly partisan parliament that is guided by its party interests as opposed to its solemn duty to serve the people and country. Our justice systems must not be used as instruments or weaponized by incumbents to perpetuate their power and interest.This is why it is important to have an independent judiciary. The independence of the Senegalese judiciary and justice system is under the spot light ; and will play a very critical role in either consolidating their democracy or its contraction. Our future should not be captured by the interests of the political class who ironically are elected by us to serve on our behalf and in our collective interest. (will leave this for another). Why is it that our destiny as Africans invariably hangs on a battle between individual (males usually) tussle for power and seldom in the interest of the citizenry? The underlying issue or the big elephant in the room is the about keeping or consolidating power (Self-perpetuating rule) – it is time our leaders get on with program and understand that the state is not a family heirloom handed over to them! Two term limits should be firmly entrenched in all constitutions in our region ( ECOWAS) should make it a priority. The last time our beloved Gambia and Togo stood in the way !
Our development models which focus so much on infrastructure in many instances does not translate into the transformation of the lives of the citizenry, particularly the youths. It’s nice to have majestic buildings, beautiful airports, fancy dual carriage roads, fast railways but the question is at what cost? Is it really transformative ? Does it really change the lives of the ordinary citizenry? How about building a first-class science university? How about investing in building the knowledge base and skills of the youths so that they can be productive citizens? How about ensuring every district has electricity, clean drinking water, a health care centre, decent school and access to the internet etc. How much of our money ( not grants or loans ) do our government’s spend on the youths or youths programmes that are genuinely transformative. I am not talking about the tick the box, photo opportunity programs all over town. Bringing it back home, I hope our leadership, starting with the President and all the political party leaders are taking note. The country’s interest transcends any individual, group and circle. The power of the people cannot be underestimated so my advice is do not take the people for granted.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei
As my old senior always says, the “ A word for the wise is enough “
Salam and May Peace reign in Senegal, Gambia and Africa. Have a great week.
