Senegal since 2000: Rebuilding Hegemony in a Global Age

Overview

• Authors: Vincent Foucher, Tarik Dahou
• Publication: Turning Points in African Democracy, 2009
• Focus: Examines the political and economic changes in Senegal from 2000 onwards, exploring the concept of rebuilding hegemony in a global context.

Historical Context

• Democracy in Senegal: Seen as a model in Africa with a history of political stability.
• Political Integration: Initially driven by Muslim brotherhoods and the Parti Socialiste (PS) which linked peasants to the state.
• Shift in Politics: Transition from Senghor to Diouf marked by economic challenges and rising discontent.

Political Transition

• Abdoulaye Wade's Rise: Leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), elected as President in 2000, ending PS's dominance.
• Election Dynamics: Wade's victory attributed to a coalition of opposition groups and mobilization of urban areas.

Economic Challenges

• Groundnut Crisis: Traditional economy suffered due to structural adjustments and liberalization.
• Migration and Remittances: Economy reoriented around remittances, challenging state centrality but also providing new growth avenues.

Political Economy

• Role of Migration: Migrants’ remittances are crucial, with $1 billion sent back in 2004, fueling the service sector and growth.
• State Strategies: Government plays external linkages to gain economic and political leverage, e.g., increased foreign aid.

Political Developments

• Rebuilding Hegemony: New political dynamics replicating old PS strategies, utilizing migration and remittances strategically.
• Clientelism: Despite democratization efforts, clientelism persists as a key political strategy.

Governance and Challenges

• Presidentialism: Strengthening of presidential powers and personalized governance.
• Factionalism: Internal party struggles within PDS mirror previous PS dynamics.
• Authoritarian Tendencies: Government criticized for drifting towards authoritarian practices.

Social and Religious Dynamics

• Marabouts’ Role: Shift in alliances with religious leaders, increasing political involvement of younger marabouts.

Conclusion

• Democratic Process: Despite alternation in power, fundamental political structures remain unchanged.
• Future Prospects: Questions remain on how democracy will develop amidst personalized power and increasing role of migration.

Key References

• Various academic works cited, exploring political, economic, and social dynamics in Senegal.

This summary provides an overview of the key points covered in the discussion of Senegal's political and economic landscape since 2000, focusing on the interplay between internal dynamics and external influences.