Parliamentarian Guy Marius Sagna has openly criticized the design of the “National Dialogue” announced by the Senegalese authorities, questioning its fundamental goals, legal basis, and overall relevance in the nation’s current era of political change.

In a widely circulated statement, the deputy asserted that “one does not lead a revolution with colonial or neo-colonial tools,” referring to the institutional framework governing the political dialogue. He believes the current process is insufficient to drive genuine, profound structural change within Senegal.

Sagna questions the 2016 decree’s validity

Guy Marius Sagna specifically targets the continued use of the 2016 decree for organizing the National Dialogue, deeming it entirely obsolete. He advocates for the repeal of this framework, arguing it would allow for a greater emphasis on local consultation mechanisms, particularly within territorial communities, municipal councils, and the National Assembly.

The deputy further expressed doubts about the ultimate purpose of the ongoing dialogue, describing it as a potential “political operation” disconnected from the real interests of ordinary citizens. He criticized the notion that such a process might serve primarily to strategically include or exclude certain political actors from upcoming electoral contests.

In his text, the PASTEF parliamentarian posited that maintaining the existing legal structure could undermine the transformational commitments articulated by the current administration. He therefore urged a comprehensive overhaul of dialogue mechanisms, aiming to embed them more deeply in principles of national sovereignty and direct engagement with the people of Senegal.

This intervention by Sagna comes amidst ongoing political discussions surrounding the organization and practical implementation of the National Dialogue in Senegal.