Why Senegal’s Democracy Survived

Issue Date October 2025
Volume 36
Issue 4
Page Numbers 126–38
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On 2 April 2024, Senegal inaugurated President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, completing a turbulent presidential election cycle and passing a significant stress test of its democracy. The transition occurred after an attempt by the former president, Macky Sall, and the legislative majority to postpone the elections beyond the constitutional term limit. Ultimately, the independence of the judiciary and the persistent activities of civil society fostered a resolution of the impasse, allowing the contest and subsequent transition to proceed expeditiously. Today, Senegal is at a crossroads where it must consolidate recent democratic gains or risk the disillusionment of citizens seeking improved transparency and accountability. Enhancing good governance and the rule of law in Senegal in the context of a mandate for change has thus become a prime metric for measuring the progress of the new regime.

About the Authors

Ibrahima Fall

Ibrahima Fall is director of studies at the School of International Commerce, Communications, and Business Techniques (ETICCA) in Dakar, Senegal.

View all work by Ibrahima Fall

Catherine Lena Kelly

Catherine Lena Kelly is director of engagement at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

View all work by Catherine Lena Kelly

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