Taxawu Sénégal held its foundational congress in Dakar on Sunday, May 10, officially transitioning from a political platform into a structured party. Under the banner «From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, equitable and prosperous Senegal», the event brought together activists, officials and supporters to endorse a bold new strategic direction for the movement.
a historic shift in senegalese politics
At the close of deliberations, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was unanimously acclaimed as the party’s leader in an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and grassroots commitment. In a speech both critical and visionary, the newly elected chair of Taxawu Sénégal painted a stark picture of the nation’s current state.
«Across our cities and villages, from neighborhoods to remote hamlets, one truth resonates deeply: Senegalese women and men feel—and indeed know—that the promises of social justice, prosperity and transparency remain unfulfilled,» Sall declared.
addressing systemic social crises
The leader highlighted a multifaceted social crisis gripping the country. Teachers demand recognition, students protest deteriorating study conditions, workers call for fairer labor standards, and farmers, fishers and women face mounting economic insecurity.
«Our farmers are in total distress,» he warned, adding, «the alarming depletion of fish stocks threatens not only coastal livelihoods but the very foundation of Senegal’s maritime economy.» He also emphasized the plight of youth, trapped in mass unemployment and a resurgence of clandestine emigration.
«When a nation’s youth falter, the entire country trembles. A rudderless youth signals a future without momentum,» he cautioned, coining the memorable phrase: «We find young people looking for work; we struggle to find young people with work.»
a renewed social contract rooted in sovereignty and solidarity
In response, Taxawu Sénégal proposes a refounded social contract anchored in sovereignty, fairness and solidarity. Sall called for «an impartial state, lean in administration and exemplary in governance,» expanding access to education, healthcare, employment and social protection.
The new party champions stronger decentralization through «autonomous, responsible local governments,» transparent budgets and participatory governance models that bring decision-making closer to citizens. Institutionally, it advocates an independent judiciary free from political interference, rejecting «selective justice» and any curtailment of public freedoms.
«A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an autocracy in denial,» Sall asserted, reaffirming his commitment to free expression, a free press and political pluralism.
foreign policy anchored in peace and african solidarity
The leader also outlined a foreign policy vision centered on peace, multilateralism, African solidarity and economic sovereignty. In a world roiled by conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic instability, he urged Senegal to champion diplomacy that advances shared prosperity and continental resilience.
a socialist foundation for inclusive growth
Taxawu Sénégal’s ideological bedrock is firmly socialist. «We are socialists. We cannot accept a system where inequality is passed down from generation to generation,» Sall stated. The party’s societal project rests on a «structuring triad»: «Human dignity, Water and Land,» aiming to build a productive, distributive economy that creates wealth and ensures equitable sharing of its benefits.
call for unity among senegalese left
In a solemn appeal to fellow militants, Sall urged left-leaning forces to unite around a credible alternative to confront the country’s pressing challenges. «Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength, and it will be our victory,» he concluded, earning sustained applause from the congress delegates.