On October 5, 2026, El Malick Ndiaye, vice-president of Senegal's National Assembly, delivered a speech at the 10th legislative session of Guinea's parliament in Conakry. As a close collaborator of Ousmane Sonko, Ndiaye emphasized the importance of inter-state relations and West African solidarity. He highlighted the historical and human ties between Guinea and Senegal, describing them as a community of destiny forged by history. Ndiaye's address aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation between the two nations.
Ndiaye stressed that the relationship between Senegal and Guinea goes beyond mere diplomatic convenience, citing a deep social continuity between the two nations. He noted that many Senegalese and Guineans have made each other's countries their home, workplace, and life, resulting in strong family and social ties. The Senegalese parliamentarian emphasized that these bonds of alliance and kinship transcend institutional borders, underscoring the need for solidarity and cooperation.
The speech comes amid a resurgence of exclusionary and identity-based discourse in the region. Ndiaye firmly condemned the use of social crises for divisive purposes, stating that economic or social difficulties should not be used to pit one people against another. He emphasized that xenophobic and stigmatizing discourses have no place in the relationships between Senegalese and Guineans or in the Africa they want to build.
Ndiaye advocated for responsible integration, balancing fraternity with respect for the laws and institutions of each host state. He emphasized that openness to brotherly peoples should not compromise respect for the rules and laws of each country. The parliamentarian reaffirmed that there is no fundamental opposition between welcoming others and respecting republican legality.
Ndiaye called on Guinean deputies to play a constructive role in promoting citizen-centered diplomacy. He urged them to move beyond purely protocolary meetings and build joint policies to prevent potential sub-regional tensions. The Senegalese vice-president emphasized that African integration should not be limited to summits and treaties but should be reflected in laws, budgets, public policies, and the daily lives of citizens.
In his address, Ndiaye encouraged the Guinean parliament to inscribe their mandate in a measurable and concrete action plan for their citizens. He emphasized that the current generation has a particular responsibility to translate Pan-Africanism from hope to action, from discourse to institutions, and from proclaimed fraternity to lived fraternity.
Ultimately, Ndiaye's speech aimed to inspire a new approach to inter-state relations and regional cooperation. By emphasizing the importance of solidarity, cooperation, and respect for the law, he encouraged the Guinean parliament to work towards a more integrated and prosperous West Africa. His address was welcomed as a call to action for a more fraternal and responsible Africa.
Key points
- El Malick Ndiaye emphasizes the historical and human ties between Guinea and Senegal.
- Ndiaye condemns xenophobic and stigmatizing discourses in the region.
- The Senegalese parliamentarian advocates for responsible integration and respect for the laws and institutions of each host state.
