President Macky Sall stepped back from the prestigious international position that Emmanuel Macron had entrusted to him, that of Special Envoy for the Paris Pact for the People and the Planet, just after leaving power on April 2nd. On October 8th, he «renounced» the apparatuses to defend his record and ideas and thus to be protected from any conflict of interest. A decision quite rare in the political world where, alas, honors have taken on greater importance than ideas.
A president who raised the voice of Senegal and Africa internationally.
In an interview with DakarActu, the Chief International Affairs Advisor spoke about the political situation in Senegal and the «return of Macky» into the political scene. Erwan Davoux, at first, indicated that Macky Sall’s voice is respected and appreciated on the international stage. «It should be remembered that in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the head of state, Macky Sall, clearly stated that Africa should not get involved in favor of either of the two parties, because it was not an African war, even though the continent was suffering the negative consequences.» To mitigate these, he advocated for an exception regarding food products in the sanctions imposed against Russia. This approach resulted in the lifting of the blockade on the grain stocks from Ukraine destined for Africa. As for the other conflict, notably the one in the Middle East, Davoux talks about the hierarchy of human lives and the constant violations of international law and humanitarian law that are unbearable.
Thus, he added, under Macky Sall, Senegal has played a major role in world affairs. It is enough, in his opinion, to recall, in particular, its pivotal role in the Gambian post-election crisis in 2017 to ensure that the democratic choice is upheld. On the international stage, too, he has proven to be a great advocate of African interests, with success. Appointed head of the ECOWAS during his first term, Erwan Davoux acknowledges this defense of the position that «economic integration was an imperative for the continent.».
In this first intervention in this interview, the former candidate for the French legislative elections believes that President Macky Sall has championed the admission of one of the 54 African states as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council or the African Union to the G20. He will also note in his review of this event that the AU ended up joining the G20 as a permanent member. «It should be emphasized that many observers consider that Macky Sall has made Senegalese diplomacy shine.»
The emerging Senegal Plan, major infrastructure projects and the de-industrialization of the region...
Another area that will have left a mark in the former president’s legacy was the Plan Sénégal Émergence (PSE), aimed at guiding Senegal on the path to emergence by 2035. «The objective is all the more credible given that Senegal has recently become a producer of gas and oil.» Nevertheless, the curse of the ’rent economy« still needs to be avoided. Indeed, a risk of dependency can quickly develop in the absence of diversification and confidence among international investors.
Major infrastructure and territorial equity projects have marked Macky Sall’s presidencies. This is evidenced by Senegal’s doubling of electricity power in 7 years or the addition of % 30 renewable energy sources to its energy mix, Davoux argued, noting that one of his major achievements remains the new city of Diaminadio, which promises to become a major economic hub. It holds strategic importance, according to him, as Senegal’s pharmaceutical industry will be located there.
In terms of road infrastructure, Macky Sall had the railway for the Regional Express Train (TER) built, connecting Dakar to the city of Diaminadio and then to the Blaise Diagne International Airport, passing through several suburbs. He also inaugurated the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to relieve the capital. In Dakar, but especially within the country, under Macky Sall, many roads have been built, thus facilitating the exchange of goods and services. This was one of his priorities. Indeed, while preparing to become a candidate for the Presidential election, Macky Sall traveled throughout his country, including the most remote places, and measured the scale of the task to be accomplished. In the most remote rural areas, villages that were previously deprived of water and electricity have gained access to these services thanks to these programs. The rural electrification rate in Senegal has increased from 27 to 58 %.
Of course, the main objective is that its benefits reach the greatest number of people, and that wealth is distributed more fairly. But before it can be distributed, it must first be produced.
A political battle from afar to preserve the gains and stakes of the legislative elections
The former president therefore recently put his hands in Cambouis and took the lead of the Takku Wallu Sénégal coalition. »A fight he will lead from afar, according to the principal advisor for international affairs.« »Macky Sall will not go to Senegal. He will respect a tradition: the former heads of state of Senegal have always chosen to stay away from their country, temporarily, at the end of their term of office. The predecessors of Macky Sall chose France: he opted for Morocco and thus remained on the African continent.« Nevertheless, »the most absent person from Senegal« will exercise, he says, »a powerful moral authority over the campaign.” What might be the stakes regarding him?
First of all, to prevent his supporters from succumbing to the temptation of disunity in the absence of the leader, especially since there is no heir. Amadou Ba seems to be distancing himself after his defeat in the legislative elections.
More than anything else, the challenge for the opposition seems to be not to give the Pastef full power. «Indeed, the former President had to deal with a fragile majority that does not allow for everything and which requires compromise.» While a political force that could gather more than 3/5ths of the deputies could almost do whatever it sees fit, notably profoundly modify the Constitution. With all the risks that entails… » According to our interviewee, democracy requires countervailing forces to function in the best way possible. «Giving all powers to a single person is taking a great risk.» In France, the French people have often chosen to entrust the Presidency to a personality from one political family and the majority to another camp in the National Assembly. It is the coexistence that allows for a certain balance. «The President has the role of arbiter and of ensuring the nation's higher interests; the Prime Minister has the role of leading the day-to-day activities,» he stated.
According to Erwan Davoux, «no one is a prophet in their own country» and everyone tends to overestimate the negative aspects within when foreigners consider us enviable. This is true for the French as well as the Senegalese. «Everyone aspires to perfection and to always doing better in change.» However, viewed from a little further away, Senegal has remained this country where election deadlines are respected, mandates are not extended, and elections are honest. This is undoubtedly an exception, while in the region some have been in power for several decades. Senegal remains an exceptional country, democratic, stable, and oriented towards the future. Let’s hope that it remains so…,» concludes Erwan Davoux.
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