Taxawu Sénégal held its foundational congress in Dakar on Sunday, May 10, marking its official transformation from a political platform into a structured party. The event, centered around the theme «From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, equitable, and prosperous Senegal,» brought together activists, leaders, and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.
At the conclusion of the congress, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was unanimously acclaimed as the leader of the party in a spirited and committed atmosphere. In a speech blending critical analysis with forward-looking proposals, the new leader outlined a stark assessment of the national situation, citing « deep concerns » and « real hardships faced daily by citizens. » « Across our cities and countryside, in neighborhoods and villages, one reality is undeniable: Senegalese men and women feel—and I would say are certain—that promises of social justice, prosperity, and transparency remain unfulfilled, » Khalifa Sall declared to the assembled delegates.
a nation grappling with multifaceted social crises
The socialist leader painted a picture of a country confronting a complex social crisis: teachers seeking recognition, students denouncing difficult learning conditions, workers demanding better rights, and farmers, fishermen, and women facing increasingly precarious economic realities. « Our farmers are in total disarray, » he emphasized, also warning of « the progressive depletion of fishery resources » threatening fishermen and Senegal’s maritime economy. Khalifa Sall also highlighted the plight of youth, marked by mass unemployment and the resurgence of clandestine emigration.
« When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A youth without direction signals an uncertain future, » he asserted, adding with memorable candor: « You can find young people looking for work; the trouble is finding young people who can find work. »
In response to these challenges, Taxawu Sénégal aims to propose a renewed political agenda centered on a « reimagined social contract. » For Khalifa Sall, this refoundation begins with « an impartial state, efficient in its operations and exemplary in its governance, » as well as improved access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection for all citizens.
a call for decentralized governance and citizen participation
The newly established party advocates for stronger decentralization through « autonomous and responsible local governments, » transparent budgets, and governance models that encourage citizen participation. Institutionally, the leader of Taxawu Sénégal championed the cause of an independent and impartial judiciary, condemning any form of « selective justice » or restrictions on public freedoms. « A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an autocracy in denial, » he declared, standing up for freedom of expression, press freedom, and political pluralism.
The speech also addressed international geopolitical and economic issues. Khalifa Sall called for a Senegalese diplomacy grounded in « peace, multilateralism, African solidarity, and economic sovereignty, » amid a global landscape marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and economic crises.
taxawu Sénégal’s socialist foundations and future ambitions
Outlining the party’s ideological foundations, Khalifa Sall reaffirmed its socialist roots. « We are socialists. We cannot accept a model where inequalities reproduce from one generation to the next, » he stated. According to him, the party’s vision rests on a « structuring triptych »: « Humanity, Water, and Land, » with the goal of fostering a « productive and distributive economy » that creates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of growth benefits.
In a solemn appeal to socialist activists, Khalifa Sall urged left-leaning groups to unite around a credible alternative to address the country’s current challenges. « Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength—and it will be our victory, » he concluded to thunderous applause from the delegates.
