Senegalese entrepreneur Yaye Diaw Massar Gaye has released a book titled "La démocratie : promesse ou imposture?" which questions the foundations of governance in Senegal. The book, currently in preparation, has been outlined in a pre-launch booklet. In it, Gaye denounces the excessive place of politics in the functioning of the state, the concentration of powers, and partisan nominations. She advocates for a constitutional reform, a new method of appointing ministers, a transformation of the electoral system, and a reorganization of territorial administration.
Gaye's book challenges the current governance model in Senegal, which she believes is based on a flawed system that prioritizes politics over competence and responsibility. She argues that the country's problems are not solely due to the personalities in power, but rather the system that allows them to govern in a certain way. Gaye's work is informed by her experiences living abroad and observing different governance models, including her time in Morocco, where she notes the stability of institutions and the prevalence of political debate in daily life.
The author explains that her motivation for writing the book stems from her observation that Senegal has experienced multiple political transitions, but without significant changes to the functioning of the state. She rejects the idea that the country's problems are inevitable and instead argues that the system of governance is the root cause of the issues. Gaye's book aims to propose a reflection on the organization of the Senegalese state and to encourage a debate on the necessary reforms to build a more competent and responsible state.
Gaye's analysis highlights the tensions between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, as well as disagreements over the 2026 revised finance law and 2027 budget, as examples of the institutional vulnerabilities caused by political rivalries. She argues that the concentration of powers and the dependence of institutions on partisan relationships are structural weaknesses of the Senegalese system. Gaye advocates for a more merit-based system, where positions of responsibility are awarded based on professional experience, integrity, and the ability to deliver results.
One of the key proposals in Gaye's book is a constitutional reform to limit the president's powers of nomination. She suggests that strategic appointments should be based on selection procedures involving professionals and experts. Gaye proposes the creation of "ministerial assemblies" composed of professionals, experts, and recognized actors in their respective fields, which would identify the most competent profiles to lead ministries and propose candidates to the head of state.
Gaye's project also includes regular evaluations of ministers based on their results and a revision of the conditions for accessing the highest state responsibilities, incorporating criteria such as competence, experience, integrity, and knowledge of institutions. She emphasizes that power must be earned, not simply coveted. The author's goal is to encourage a debate on the necessary reforms to build a more effective and responsible state in Senegal.
Gaye's book is a call to action for Senegalese citizens to rethink the country's governance model and to prioritize competence and responsibility over politics. The book's proposals aim to promote a more meritocratic and effective system, where positions of responsibility are awarded based on merit rather than partisan loyalty. The author's work is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate on governance and reform in Senegal.
Key points
- Yaye Diaw Massar Gaye advocates for a constitutional reform to limit the president's powers of nomination and promote a more merit-based system.
