Senegal: Presidential legacy and harsh criticism of Macky Sall

Senegal is in turmoil. Former president Macky Sall has launched into an unparalleled diatribe accusing his successors of laziness, inaction and, the cherry on the cake, political manipulation. Indeed, the head of state, who held the presidential chair for two terms, seems to have difficulty digesting his ouster from the political scene, while setting himself up as the guardian of the temple of Senegalese democracy. A position that is, to say the least, ambivalent for someone who had, in turn, taken the reins of the country with promises of change.

Political manipulation: the big word

Macky Sall does not seem to lack aplomb when he evokes the term "manipulation". The one who had promised to reform the system, to fight against corruption, and to make Senegal a model of democracy in Africa, is now transformed into a scathing critic of the actions of his successor, the current president, during his recent speeches. But is this not a little hypocritical? As a former president, his role could have been to inspire action, to guide, or even to advise rather than to play the role of the accuser.

Memories of a flourishing past?

Oddly enough, Macky Sall’s words resonate like an echo of a past that he himself helped shape. During his term, he promised prosperity, but what has been the concrete result? Between unfinished development promises and persistent social problems, it is worth remembering that turning one’s head towards the mistakes of others is a risky exercise, especially when one wears one’s own tinted glasses. The contrast between the promised action and the observed inaction is a common thread of his presidential legacy.

Future prospects: rather than blaming

So what to do in the face of this avalanche of criticism? Rather than playing "I accuse you", why not promote dialogue between the old and new generations of leaders? If Macky Sall really wants to be an agent of change, he could start by offering solutions, or at least a मंच to share his vision of a better Senegal, instead of looking back and pointing fingers.

For the sake of Senegal, former presidents should know that politics is a legacy of action and not a field of rubble where one spends one's time debating the mistakes of the past. Senegalese people deserve better than speeches filled with rancor; they aspire to concrete actions and a promising future. So, when will there be a real policy of unity and progress?