Taxawu Sénégal held its founding congress in Dakar yesterday, Sunday, May 10, marking its official transition from a political platform to a structured party. Centered on the theme: «From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, united and prosperous Senegal,» this political gathering brought together activists, leaders and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was acclaimed by the delegates as the leader of the party, in an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and militant engagement. In a speech blending criticism with a clear programmatic vision, the newly elected head of Taxawu Sénégal delivered a sharp analysis of the national situation, highlighting « profound concerns » and « real difficulties faced daily by citizens. » « In our cities and countryside, in neighborhoods and villages alike, one reality stands clear: Senegalese men and women share a growing conviction that the promises of social justice, prosperity and transparency remain unfulfilled, » declared Khalifa Sall before the delegates.
The socialist leader painted a picture of a country grappling with multiple social crises: teachers seeking recognition, students denouncing difficult study conditions, workers demanding better working conditions, and farmers, fishermen and women facing increasingly precarious economic realities. « Our farmers are in total disarray, » he emphasized, while warning of the « progressive depletion of fish stocks » threatening fishermen and Senegal’s maritime economy. Khalifa Sall also drew attention to the plight of youth, characterized by mass unemployment and the resurgence of clandestine emigration.
« When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A youth without direction signals a future without momentum, » he asserted, adding a memorable line: « You can find young people looking for work; finding young people with work is what we’re struggling to do. »
In response to this situation, Taxawu Sénégal is proposing a new political vision built around a « reimagined social contract. » For Khalifa Sall, this refoundation begins with « an impartial state, frugal in its operations and exemplary in its governance, » along with improved access to education, healthcare, employment and social protection for all citizens.
The new party also advocates for stronger decentralization, based on « autonomous and responsible local authorities, » transparent budgets and participatory governance that brings decision-making closer to citizens. On the institutional front, the president of Taxawu Sénégal called for 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, championing freedom of expression, press freedom and political pluralism.
The speech also addressed international geopolitical and economic challenges. Khalifa Sall advocated for Senegalese diplomacy rooted in « peace, multilateralism, African solidarity and economic sovereignty, » in a global context marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic crises.
Presenting the ideological foundations of the new party, he reaffirmed Taxawu Sénégal’s socialist roots. « We are socialists. We cannot accept a system where inequalities are perpetuated from one generation to the next, » he declared. The party’s societal project rests, he explained, on a « structuring triad »: « Humanity, Water and Land, » with the goal of fostering a « productive and redistributive economy » that creates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of growth.
In a solemn appeal to socialist activists, Khalifa Sall urged left-wing 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.
