Awa Guèye Kébé: "We do not have the right to let Wade's political legacy be scattered."

On the occasion of the centenary of former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, former Minister of State Awa Guèye Kébé offered a testimony imbued with political loyalty, but also with concerns for the future of the liberal family. A guest on iRadio's "Jury du Dimanche" program, she revealed that, following the divisions that have plagued the liberal camp, she has undertaken several initiatives aimed at preserving the political legacy left by Abdoulaye Wade. "We have no right to let this political legacy be scattered and allow other parties to build upon the liberal camp," she declared. According to her, personal ambitions and rivalries that emerged after the Senegalese Democratic Party left power have weakened a political family that had nonetheless left a lasting mark on Senegal's history. Faced with this situation, Awa Guèye Kébé stated that she has held numerous consultations with various leaders to explore the possibilities of reconciliation. She even indicates that she sought Wade's own approval to begin this collaborative work.

The successful gamble of liberal women

Recognizing the difficulties in uniting the various political factions, the former minister says she chose a different path: that of women. This led to the idea of a platform bringing together liberal women from all political persuasions. At the time, she acknowledges, many considered the initiative unrealistic, especially given the context of strong political tensions between the government and the opposition. "People told me it wasn't possible. But I replied that we had to try to identify the obstacles and overcome them," she recounts. Against all odds, the experiment bore fruit. The participants gradually transformed this platform into a true Network of Liberal Women of Senegal, which continues its activities today. For Awa Guèye Kébé, this success testifies to the political maturity of women and their ability to transcend partisan divides when the greater interest of a political family is at stake.

To foster a new generation of leaders

Beyond the dialogue between the various components of Senegalese liberalism, the former minister believes the main challenge now lies in fostering a critical mass of women capable of influencing the political direction of the liberal camp. She calls for the construction of collective leadership based on consultation and mutual respect, rather than personal squabbles. Without commenting on a possible unification of the different liberal factions, she remains convinced that ongoing dialogue can allow future leaders to find common ground. "It is possible to continue consulting and engaging in dialogue," she asserts. Awa Guèye Kébé goes even further, stating that some women today possess the necessary stature to aspire to leadership of this political movement.

As Senegal celebrates the centenary of the man who remains one of the major figures in its contemporary political history, Awa Guèye Kébé is calling for the preservation of what she considers the core of the former president's legacy: the ability to unite energies around a shared vision. This message resonates as an invitation to rethink the future of Senegalese liberalism in a time of political realignment.