Looking at recent political developments in Senegal, I can’t help but ask a question

By Ndey Jobateh

When Bassirou Diomaye Faye today said that he came to power because of the coalition and not PASTEF, it sparked debate.

For Gambians, statements like this immediately bring back memories of 2016.

Adama Barrow was originally a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and was selected by the party as its flag bearer. Due to the Coalition agreement to remove Yahya Jammeh, he resigned from the party and contested the election as an Independent Coalition Candidate.

After the coalition victory, many key positions in Government were held by figures associated with UDP under the leadership of H.E. Ousainou Darboe.

But the story did not end there.

Over time, Barrow distanced himself from UDP, Fired many from their positions, divided the party’s support base, and created the Barrow Youth Movement, attracting many UDP supporters into his own political camp. This eventually evolved into the National People’s Party (NPP), with several UDP members and even MPs crossing over to join the new party.

For many Gambians, this period is remembered as a major political rupture that reshaped the country’s opposition landscape.

Looking at developments in Senegal today, one cannot help but ask:

Are we witnessing a completely different political path, or could this be the beginning of a familiar coalition or betrayal story in West African politics?

Time will tell……..

Picture credit: Walfadjri and @Feeling Dakar