OPPOSITION REFORM: MBAYE DIONE WARNS THAT THE AFP WILL NO LONGER BE "BEHIND" ANY PARTY

The Alliance of Progressive Forces (AFP) now intends to have a greater influence on the ongoing political realignments. Meeting this Saturday, November 7, 2026, under the leadership of its Secretary General, Mbaye Dione, the party's collective leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the opposition and laid out its conditions for future alliances. The message is unambiguous: the AFP no longer wants to play a secondary role.

With the upcoming elections, the AFP is making its ambitions clear. Following its meeting, the party reaffirmed its membership in the Front for the Defense of the Republic (FDR), while also calling for the formation of a broad opposition front. However, this prospect cannot be achieved at any cost.

Speaking to the press, Mbaye Dione clearly expressed his party's refusal to find itself in a subordinate position within a coalition. "The AFP will no longer be beholden to any political party," he warned, emphasizing the need to build alliances based on mutual respect and recognition of each political group's contribution.

For the AFP's Secretary General, future coalitions must take into account the political weight and commitment of their various components. "Everyone must be able to have their share in proportion to their commitment and contribution," he argued. This is a way of laying the groundwork for a political partnership in which the AFP intends to fully defend its interests. Mbaye Dione does not rule out participating alone in the upcoming elections if the conditions for a balanced alliance are not met.

Asked about the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly and holding early legislative elections, he reiterated his party's preference for a broad coalition of the opposition, without ruling out an independent candidacy.

The political leader also reflected on the record of previous alliances, particularly that of Benno Bokk Yaakaar. While acknowledging that this experience had its positive aspects, he admitted that "it wasn't all smooth sailing." The AFP thus intends to learn from its political journey and assume its share of responsibility.

Beyond alliances, the party aims to win as many local authorities as possible in the next local elections and to contribute to the formation of a strong parliamentary majority of the opposition in the National Assembly.

This desire to reposition itself is part of a remobilization effort initiated since the congress of April 26, 2025. According to party officials, tours have been conducted in several regions, notably Kaolack, Kédougou, Kaffrine, Diourbel, and Thiès. AFP reports having visited 167 municipalities, reactivated previously dormant cells, and registered the arrival of new leaders, young people, and women.

In its resolution, the political party also criticized the country's economic and financial situation. It specifically denounced the rejection of the 2026 supplementary budget law and the attempt to withdraw the initial 2027 budget law, which it considers worrying signs for Senegal's international credibility.

The party cites, among other things, the slowdown in funding and investment, the halting of certain public projects, the rise in the cost of living and the uncertainties surrounding the next agricultural season as well as peanut prices.

AFP also cites a figure of 1,956 billion FCFA for domestic debt. This figure is highlighted to illustrate the economic and financial difficulties the country is reportedly facing.

Finally, the party announces the development of a strategic reflection document intended to inform an international seminar on several major issues: productive transformation, energy transition, ecological adaptation, digital sovereignty and youth employment.