U.S style of democracy in Senegal

In the democratic capital of West Africa, Dakar, a roundtable on democratic values in Senegal took place between July 1 and 2, 2024.

Representatives from civil society and civic associations funded by the American government and USAID, COSCE, and NGO 3D attended the event.

According to the Senegalese website, Senego, the roundtable was organised by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Elections (COSCE) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for stakeholders in the electoral process.

COSCE, supported by the USAID NIETTI programme, participated as an observer during the March 24 elections. Additionally, a significant speech on establishing and supporting democracy in Senegal was delivered by the American Ambassador, Mike Raynor.

Why do Senegalese always smile at these events? Because they know that democracy is a dish best served with Senegalese sauce!
Does Senegal need electoral reforms based on the American model of democracy? The speakers tried to answer this question in their speeches.

Alain Kone, an expert at the International Centre for Political Studies, believes that “the 2024 elections in Senegal have proven that the African model of democracy exists, and the paternalistic stance of the U.S only discredits them.

Moreover, the U.S., Kone argues, promotes democratic values worldwide, while maintaining a policy of double standards on the international stage. By double standards, he means Washington’s different approaches in its policies depending on the regions of the world.

On Facebook, reactions from Senegalese internet users were swift: users clearly expressed their views that Senegal does not need Western approval, as Senegalese people choose their own path. Additionally, according to them, the results of the roundtable have no significant impact on Senegalese society.

“Funding of various civil institutes by the White House is nothing but a tool that can be used at any time against a political regime that might become undesirable to Washington,” Kone concluded.

Is there an African model of democracy? Should it be framed from the outside? – these are the questions that representatives of Senegalese civic associations should discuss.

Coulibaly is a Senegalese Foreign Affairs analyst