Fractures Deepen Between Macky Sall and Amadou Bâ in Senegal

A deepening rift between Macky Sall, the former President of Senegal, and Amadou Bâ, his former Prime Minister, has exposed a fracture in the country's political landscape. The two leaders, once seen as complementary figures at the top of the Senegalese state, now engage in a cold war, fueled by mutual accusations and a battle for opposition leadership. This development has raised concerns about the stability of Senegal's political scene.

The tension between the Alliance for the Republic (Apr) and Amadou Bâ's camp shows no signs of easing. Recently, journalist Cheikh Yérim Seck sparked controversy by alleging secret negotiations between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Macky Sall. The Apr promptly denied these claims, but the incident has reignited the feud. Mame Mbaye Niang, a former minister, accused Amadou Bâ of orchestrating the media outing, prompting a response from the Nouvelle Responsabilité, determined to defend their leader.

The roots of this conflict date back to the 2024 presidential election, when Amadou Bâ was chosen as the candidate for the Benno Bokk Yaakaar coalition. Some within the presidential movement expressed reservations, and accusations of sabotage were leveled against certain former allies. Supporters of Amadou Bâ felt that Macky Sall did not adequately support his candidacy, contributing to his defeat by Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Analysts say the 2024 election left deep scars, with the defeat crystallizing resentments and hastening the estrangement of the two camps. Dr. Momar Thiam, a specialist in political communication, notes that the Apr's lukewarm support for Amadou Bâ's candidacy created an impression of hesitation, ultimately contributing to his loss. This sequence of events has led to a rivalry between Sall and Bâ, with each side vying for position in the opposition.

Professor Demba Guèye, a political analyst, believes that the contestation of Amadou Bâ's candidacy by prominent Apr figures, combined with his electoral defeat, has widened the rift between the two camps. This confrontation represents a struggle for leadership, legitimacy, and control of the former regime's political legacy. Amadou Bâ's ability to claim this legacy is limited as long as the Apr remains structured around Macky Sall.

The question of political legacy is central to this rivalry, with Amadou Bâ seeking to establish himself as a major force in Senegalese politics. According to Professor Guèye, Amadou Bâ's emergence would require the Apr to lose influence, allowing him to tap into its resources and electorate. This dynamic explains why some accuse Cheikh Yérim Seck of being a messenger for Amadou Bâ, aiming to destabilize the Apr.

As the rivalry between Macky Sall and Amadou Bâ intensifies, Senegal's political landscape is likely to become increasingly complex. The outcome of this power struggle will have significant implications for the country's opposition and the future of the Apr. Key points to watch include the Apr's response to Amadou Bâ's growing ambitions and the potential for further fragmentation within the Senegalese opposition.

Key points

• The rift between Macky Sall and Amadou Bâ has its roots in the 2024 presidential election.
• The two leaders are now engaged in a battle for opposition leadership and control of the former regime's legacy.
• The outcome of this power struggle will have significant implications for Senegal's political landscape.