In Senegal, the former ruling parties, led by ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, have joined forces ahead of the snap legislative elections scheduled for November 17, 2024. This newly-formed coalition, which includes Sall’s Alliance for the Republic (APR) and Wade’s Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), poses a significant challenge to the current government under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.Faye, who dissolved the national assembly earlier this month due to opposition roadblocks, now faces a more unified opposition.

His party, Pastef, will contest independently in the upcoming election, hoping to secure a majority to advance its reform agenda. The APR-PDS coalition is also bolstered by the inclusion of ex-prime minister Idrissa Seck, making the election highly competitive and likely to reshape Senegal’s political landscape.

This political move reflects growing tensions, as Faye’s administration has initiated audits and travel bans targeting the former regime, which has led to significant political friction.