Khalifa Sall launches refoundation of social contract in Senegal

Taxawu Sénégal held its founding congress in Dakar on Sunday, May 10, formalizing its transformation from a political platform into a structured party. Under the theme «From platform to political party: Rethinking the social contract for a sovereign, just, united and prosperous Senegal,» the event brought together activists, leaders and supporters to endorse a new strategic direction for the movement.

Khalifa Sall elected leader with broad support

At the close of deliberations, Khalifa Ababacar Sall was acclaimed by delegates as the party’s president in a charged atmosphere of enthusiasm and activism. In a speech blending critique and vision, the new leader outlined a sobering assessment of the national situation, highlighting deep-rooted concerns and daily hardships faced by fellow citizens. « From our cities to our countryside, in neighborhoods and villages, one reality prevails: men and women in Senegal feel—and indeed are certain—that promises of social justice, prosperity and transparency are slow to materialize,» Khalifa Sall told the assembly.

A nation facing multifaceted social crisis

The socialist leader painted a picture of a country grappling with overlapping crises: educators seeking recognition, students enduring difficult learning conditions, workers demanding better pay, and farmers, fishers and women facing increasingly fragile economic conditions. « Our farmers are in total disarray,» he asserted, warning of the gradual depletion of fisheries that threatens fishers and Senegal’s maritime economy. He also underscored the plight of youth, marked by mass unemployment and a resurgence of clandestine migration.

« When a nation’s youth falters, the entire country trembles. A rudderless youth signals a future without momentum,» he declared, adding the memorable line: « You can find young people seeking work; finding young people who have work—that’s what we’re still looking for.»

A renewed social contract for Senegal

Taxawu Sénégal is positioning itself to offer a new political vision centered on a refounded social contract. According to Khalifa Sall, this transformation begins with an impartial, efficient and exemplary state, alongside improved access to education, healthcare, employment and social protection for all citizens.

The party advocates for stronger decentralization, built on autonomous and responsible local governments, transparent budgets and governance that brings decision-making closer to the people. Institutionally, it calls for an independent judiciary, rejecting any form of selective justice or restrictions on public freedoms.

« A democracy without a viable opposition is merely an autocracy in denial,» he argued, reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression, press freedom and political pluralism.

Geopolitical and economic priorities

Khalifa Sall also addressed international and economic challenges, calling for a Senegalese diplomacy rooted in peace, multilateralism, African solidarity and economic sovereignty, especially amid global conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic crises.

He rooted Taxawu Sénégal’s ideological foundations in socialism, stating: « We are socialists. We cannot accept a model in which inequality is reproduced from generation to generation.» The party’s vision is structured around a triad—Human, Water and Land—aiming to build a productive and distributive economy that creates wealth and ensures fair sharing of growth.

In a solemn appeal to fellow socialists, Khalifa Sall urged left-leaning forces to unite behind a credible alternative to address the country’s challenges. « Senegal needs a united opposition. Unity is our strength—and it will bring us victory,» he concluded to rousing applause from delegates.