Diomaye on RFI/France 24: State authority, diplomacy, and economic gray areas, according to Mamoudou Ibra Kane

The interview given from New York by the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to the French media outlets RFI and France 24 continues to fuel political debate in Senegal. In an analysis, journalist and president of the "Tomorrow is Now" movement, Mamoudou Ibra Kane, offers a nuanced yet precise assessment of this presidential address.

For the analyst, this exchange remains "a generally good interview", revealing a head of state firmly anchored in "the Constitution, the institutions, the Republic and the State as a breviary".

From the outset of his remarks, in a text sent to Seneweb, the leader of Demain c'est maintenant (Tomorrow is Now) praised the institutional stature displayed by the Head of State. Faced with criticism from within his own camp following the separation from his Prime Minister—an act motivated by a "breach of trust"—President Faye reaffirmed the meaning of his mission: "President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is committed to his oath before God and the people, not before Pastef," noted Mamoudou Ibra Kane.

On the international stage, the strong support given to his predecessor Macky Sall's candidacy for an international post is described as a "true masterclass ." According to Mr. Kane, "the diplomatic tradition is fully respected by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye," demonstrating the grandeur of Senegalese diplomacy, even if the latter adopts a cautious stance on sub-regional issues.

On societal issues, particularly the question of homosexuality, Mamoudou Ibra Kane emphasizes "a clear, dry and firm response that prevents any possibility of revival", believing that "such a response condemns to silence".

Areas of uncertainty surrounding local elections and the electoral calendar

However, the picture painted by the journalist reveals several weaknesses. Mamoudou Ibra Kane points to a "presidential ambiguity" regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly, with the head of state merely setting a date for December 2nd.

Even more critical, he considers the argument regarding the timing of the local elections particularly weak. Faced with a president "less categorical than his prime minister about the date of January 17, 2027," Kane sees this as a postponement indefinitely and condemns "the weakest argument of the interview." He firmly reiterates that holding an election should not depend solely on the goodwill of the executive branch, urging everyone to remember the events of February-March 2024.

High cost of living and energy: the "missing link" in the exchange

On the socio-economic front, and within the framework of negotiations with the IMF, the president emphasized his social measures, notably the increase in family security allowances and recruitment in the health and education sectors, rejecting any austerity measures. However, the analyst regrets the lack of concrete answers to other pressing daily issues: "What about the high cost of living and the return of power cuts? What will happen to energy subsidies? This is the missing link in the discussion," he observes.

In conclusion, Mamoudou Ibra Kane makes two appeals. The first is directed to the presidency, stating that after France Médias Monde, the national press expects a formal audience. The second is addressed to all national stakeholders: “We must organize a national conference on the economy, finance, and social issues. Given the country's situation, co-construction is not an option, it is an obligation.”