Khalifa Sall launches new political party with bold social contract vision
Taxawu Sénégal transitions from movement to structured political force
Taxawu Sénégal held its founding congress yesterday in Dakar, marking its official transformation from a political platform into a structured party. The event, centered around the theme “From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, united and prosperous Senegal”, brought together activists, leaders and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was acclaimed as the party’s leader by the congress delegates in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and militant engagement. In a speech blending critical analysis with forward-looking proposals, the new leader of Taxawu Sénégal delivered a stark assessment of the national situation, citing “deep concerns” and “real challenges faced daily by compatriots”.
« In our cities and countryside, in neighborhoods and villages, one reality is clear: Senegalese men and women feel—and I would say, are certain—that promises of social justice, prosperity and transparency remain unfulfilled, » Khalifa Sall declared before the assembled delegates.
A nation facing multifaceted social crisis
The socialist leader painted a picture of a country grappling with a deep social crisis affecting multiple sectors. He highlighted the struggles of teachers seeking recognition, students protesting poor study conditions, workers demanding better working environments, and farmers, fishermen and women facing increasingly precarious economic realities.
« Our farmers are in total disarray, » he emphasized, while warning of the « progressive depletion of fisheries resources » that threatens fishermen and Senegal’s maritime economy. He also drew attention to the plight of the youth, characterized by mass unemployment and the resurgence of clandestine emigration.
« When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A youth without direction signals a future without momentum, » he asserted, adding a memorable line: « We find youth looking for work; we struggle to find youth who have found work. »
Rebuilding the social contract
In response to these challenges, Taxawu Sénégal aims to propose a renewed political agenda centered on a « reimagined social contract ». For Khalifa Sall, this refoundation begins with an impartial state that is efficient and sets an exemplary standard in governance. It also requires improved access to education, healthcare, employment and social protection for all citizens.
The new party advocates for strengthened decentralization founded on autonomous and responsible local governments, transparent budgets and citizen-centered governance that promotes public participation. Institutionally, the leader of Taxawu Sénégal called for an independent and impartial judiciary, denouncing any form of « selective justice » or restrictions on public freedoms.
« A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an autocracy in denial, » he declared, positioning himself as a defender of freedom of expression, press freedom and political pluralism.
International and economic priorities
The speech also addressed geopolitical and economic issues. Khalifa Sall called for Senegalese diplomacy grounded in peace, multilateralism, African solidarity and economic sovereignty, in a global context marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic crises.
Highlighting the ideological foundations of the new party, he affirmed Taxawu Sénégal’s socialist roots: « We are socialists. We cannot accept a model where inequalities reproduce from generation to generation. » The party’s vision is built on a « structuring triad »: Humanity, Water and Land, with the goal of fostering a « productive and distributive economy » that creates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of growth.
In a solemn appeal to socialist militants, Khalifa Sall urged left-leaning groups to unite around a credible alternative to address the country’s current challenges. « Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength; it will be our victory, » he concluded to the sustained applause of the delegates.
