Rédaction Africa Links 24 with pierre Dieme
Published on 2024-03-16 19:17:45
In front of members of civil society and politicians on the debate on the political and social crisis in Senegal, sociologist Penda Mbow did not forget the current main opponent, Ousmane Sonko, who has been singled out by some as the “architect of the political crisis.”
Penda Mbow boldly states, “Whether we are with Sonko or not, we must analyze the situation calmly and with lucidity. Otherwise, we will all be surprised by the revolution of the youth that will soon come. Because we refuse to see reality.” According to Ms. Mbow, the situation is so sensitive that “we must be more vigilant about everything that is happening in our society. There is a real fracture in society. Those who are anti-system are more numerous than pro-system. Anti-system has become a dominant phenomenon in Senegal.”
Going even further, the sociologist also believes that the maraboutic system has invaded all spaces and our mentalities. She explained, “Since the advent of the liberals at the helm of the country starting from 2000, political relations have become a relationship between disciples and marabouts. We are so overwhelmed by this ‘maraboutic’ system that Abdoulaye Wade wanted to impose his son (Karim Wade) on us. It’s much more the vision of a maraboutic model.” Penda Mbow denounces the behavior of certain leaders who “seek to impose an aristocracy on the process of our Constitution and on society.”
According to Ms. Mbow, if we are only critiquing society, then we must also challenge it. “Renegotiating the social contract is essential,” she declared.
Serigne Moustapha Guéye
Read the original article(French) on Dakar Matin
