In a pivotal moment for Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a powerful message during a national tribute to former leader Abdoulaye Wade, who turned 100 on May 29. Addressing the nation from Dakar’s Grand Theatre, the president underscored the importance of preserving national unity amid escalating political divisions.

“Even the fiercest disagreements should never justify tearing apart the nation we share,” Faye declared, emphasizing that “democracy is not a prize to be seized and hoarded, but a flame passed from hand to hand—a flame that must never be allowed to flicker out.”

The president’s remarks come just weeks after his decision to remove Ousmane Sonko from the prime ministerial role on May 22, marking the culmination of months of escalating tensions between the two former allies. Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, responded publicly two days later by framing the situation as a “cohabitation” dynamic, urging the president to “come down from his pedestal and engage in dialogue.”

“Today’s opponent is not tomorrow’s enemy”

During the tribute to Abdoulaye Wade—who led Senegal from 2000 to 2012—Faye paid homage to the elder statesman’s legacy. “Wade taught us that disagreements, no matter how intense, must never lead to the destruction of the country we hold in common,” he reflected. “He showed us that serving our youth is always more valuable than exploiting them.”

The president’s speech drew enthusiastic applause, particularly when he subtly referenced the prevailing political uncertainty and his split with Sonko. Faye’s arrival at the ceremony was met with cheers, and his address was punctuated with approval from the audience at multiple junctures.

“Wade’s wisdom reminds us that today’s opponent is not tomorrow’s enemy,” Faye continued. “They are fellow citizens with different perspectives—compatriots with whom we must ultimately share this nation in peace, once the battle of ideas concludes. We can oppose one another without tearing each other apart.”

He concluded by praising Wade’s unwavering belief in Senegal’s future, even in moments of bitter division. “He never lost faith in our country or in those who stray into hostility and resentment,” Faye noted.