In a move that has sparked a wave of questions and criticism, Senegal’s outgoing President, Macky Sall, recently announced a series of nominations. This decision, made on the eve of the power transfer, raises questions about the motives and implications of these last-minute nominations. Political observers and citizens wonder whether these nominations were planned long in advance or hastily made. Some believe that they were discussed with the newly elected President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The list of appointees includes various artists, politicians, and other personalities, raising questions about the selection criteria and the intentions behind these choices.
Africa in Harlem approached a political specialist for more information. According to Mamadou Lamine Sarr, a political science researcher at the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University in Dakar, these numerous nominations could be an attempt to reward political allies or ensure specific privileges for certain individuals.
He pointed out that one of the nominations that caught his attention the most was that of Malal Talla, who publicly stated that he was not consulted before his nomination. Mamadou Lamine Sarr believes there are more pressing priorities, such as recognizing frontline workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic or those who have contributed to the well-being of Senegalese society, who should have been honored as well.
