Du "Gatsa-Gatsa" au "Maa Tay" institutionnel : Jusqu'où ira Ousmane Sonko ?
In an opinion piece published by Seneweb, Cheikh Issa Sall, president of the UNITÉ party, offers a critical analysis of the evolution of Ousmane Sonko's discourse and political strategy. Believing that the PASTEF leader has shifted from a logic of political confrontation to a questioning of the functioning of institutions, he warns of the risks such a stance poses to Senegalese democracy. Seneweb presents the full text of the opinion piece by the mayor of Mbour.
"Is the Senegalese political landscape undergoing a systemic transformation, or is the logic of permanent challenge definitively prevailing over respect for the Republic?
Yesterday in opposition, briefly in power, and now retreating to a line of radical confrontation, the leader of PASTEF seems to have moved from a strategy of popular response to an unprecedented posture of institutional blockade.
A burning question now plagues observers: how far does Ousmane Sonko want to go?
Let us recall the slogan 'Gatsa-Gatsa' (a short tail is met with a short tail). Originally launched to legitimize a direct confrontation with the previous regime, this concept deeply polarized the public sphere. The idea was to respond in kind. But what was presented as a strategy of resistance transformed , over time, into a method of blatant manipulation of the nation's foundations.
Having risen to the presidency of the National Assembly following what many described as a blatant political power grab, the PASTEF leader quickly attempted to impose his agenda by initiating a constitutional reform project. However, the law had the final say: the project was rejected by the Constitutional Council.
This major legal setback acted as a powerful catalyst. Far from encouraging restraint or republican compromise, this institutional frustration – potentially fueled by other fears and political calculations not yet revealed to the public – seems to have produced the opposite effect: an acceleration towards radicalization (see his latest statement).
This is where the institutional 'Maa Tay' (I don't care) attitude takes hold. By promising to deliberately block government action and trampling on basic rules of republican courtesy and deference, the approach raises questions.
This is no longer just a challenge to opposing politicians, it is a questioning of the very foundations of the State: blocking for the sake of blocking, even if it means paralyzing the progress of the nation.
Ignoring court decisions and constitutional arbitrations simply for the sake of political posturing.
Taking institutions hostage out of frustration at having seen their ambitions to rewrite the rules of the game abruptly halted.
Where will this headlong rush end? Senegalese democracy has always been built on the strength and resilience of its institutions in the face of crises. Substituting "Maa tay" (a Wolof term for a specific type of government) and disregard for procedures for democratic dialogue sets a dangerous precedent.
Men come and go, ambitions fade or transform, but institutions remain. Weakening the pillars of the state to mask personal frustrations or secret agendas is to weaken the entirety of Senegal. Opposition and checks and balances are noble constitutional rights; systematic obstruction through defiance of republican principles is a dead end.
Sheikh Issa SALL , President of the UNITY Party ."
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