Taxawu Sénégal has officially transformed from a political platform into a structured party during its constitutive congress held in Dakar on Sunday, May 10. The event, themed «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.

Khalifa Ababacar Sall was unanimously elected as the party’s leader by the congress participants in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and militant commitment. In a speech blending sharp criticism with a forward-looking vision, the new leader of Taxawu Sénégal delivered a sobering assessment of the country’s situation, highlighting «profound questions» and «real challenges faced daily by citizens.»

«In our cities and rural areas, in neighborhoods and villages, one reality dominates: Senegalese men and women feel—and indeed are certain—that promises of social justice, prosperity, and transparency are slow to materialize,» Khalifa Sall declared before the assembled delegates.

Key challenges outlined by Khalifa Sall

The socialist leader painted a picture of a nation grappling with a multifaceted social crisis. He cited underpaid teachers, students protesting poor study conditions, workers demanding better labor rights, and precarious economic realities faced by farmers, fishermen, and women. «Our farmers are in complete disarray,» he emphasized, warning of the «gradual depletion of fishery resources» that threatens both fishermen and Senegal’s maritime economy. He also drew attention to the dire situation of youth, marked by mass unemployment and a resurgence of clandestine migration.

«When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A youth without direction signals a future without momentum,» he asserted, adding a striking remark: «We find young people seeking jobs; we struggle to find those who secure them.» In response, Taxawu Sénégal proposes a renewed political vision centered on a «reimagined social contract.»

A vision rooted in equity and governance

Khalifa Sall outlined a vision requiring «an impartial state, efficient in its operations and exemplary in its governance», alongside improved access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection. The party advocates for stronger decentralization, empowering «autonomous and responsible local governments» with transparent budgets and citizen-driven governance. Institutionally, he stressed the need for an independent judiciary, condemning any form of «selective justice» or restrictions on public freedoms.

«A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an unacknowledged autocracy,» he warned, championing freedom of expression, press freedom, and political pluralism.

On the global stage, Khalifa Sall called for Senegalese diplomacy rooted in «peace, multilateralism, African solidarity, and economic sovereignty», amidst a world marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and economic crises.

Socialist foundations and a shared future

He reaffirmed Taxawu Sénégal’s socialist identity, declaring, «We are socialists. We cannot accept a system where inequalities persist across generations.» The party’s societal project is built on a «structuring triad»: «Human, Water, and Land,» aiming to foster a «productive and distributive economy» that generates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of growth benefits.

In a solemn appeal to socialist activists, Khalifa Sall urged left-leaning groups to unite around a credible alternative to address the country’s challenges. «Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength—and it will be our victory,» he concluded, to thunderous applause from the delegates.