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Dakar, Senegal – As Senegal prepares for constitutional reform under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, civil society organizations are prioritizing citizen engagement to ensure the process is legitimate and reflects the will of the people. A coalition of civil society groups recently concluded discussions on implementing recommendations from national consultations and the Commission Nationale de Réformes des Institutions (CNRI), identifying public buy-in as a critical factor for success.

The coalition, meeting in its second session on Saturday, February 14th, has outlined three key priorities for the revised constitution: rigorous management of public funds, the establishment of effective participatory democracy, and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary. These proposals, intended for President Faye’s consideration, must move beyond expert discussions to resonate with the broader Senegalese public, according to coalition members.

Recognizing the potential for disconnect between technical legal proposals and public understanding, the coalition is developing a pedagogical approach to translate complex legal language into accessible terms. Mamadou Ndoye, president of the coalition, emphasized the need for diverse engagement formats, including public conferences and community meetings, to foster dialogue and participation. This strategy aims to ensure citizens understand the implications of the proposed changes and feel ownership of the reform process.

A key component of this outreach will be a public awareness campaign spearheaded by Commission 3, focusing on a constitution that enshrines the National Pact for Good Governance. According to Denis Ndour, a member of the commission, the campaign will leverage keywords, influential figures, and a structured action plan to maximize its reach. Senego.com reports that this effort is designed to overcome potential public rejection of the reforms.

Mobilizing a Network of “Good Governance Ambassadors”

To amplify its message, the coalition plans to mobilize a broad network of stakeholders, including members of parliament, media outlets, opinion leaders, influencers, and civil society actors across the country. These individuals will serve as “ambassadors of good governance,” disseminating information in national languages, particularly Wolof, to reach diverse communities. The strategy will also prioritize grassroots communication through community radio stations, social media, and on-the-ground meetings.

The coalition aims to cultivate authentic engagement by amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens. Rather than relying solely on digital tools, the initiative seeks to empower local individuals to articulate the importance of these reforms within their communities. This approach reflects a broader vision of building a more just, transparent, and democratic Senegal where every citizen actively participates in shaping the nation’s future.

Pact for Good Governance Gains Momentum

This push for citizen engagement builds on earlier efforts to secure commitment from presidential candidates to the National Pact for Good Governance. PressAfrik.com reported in January 2024 that nine candidates, including Bassirou Diomaye Faye, publicly pledged to prioritize the conclusions of the national consultations and the CNRI in their platforms. The coalition secured these commitments following a public debate on the implementation of the Assises Nationales and the CNRI recommendations.

The coalition’s efforts also stem from a longer history of national dialogue. Enqueteplus.com highlights that the current push for implementation dates back to the Assises Nationales and CNRI discussions of 2008-2009, with participants eager to see long-delayed reforms finally realized.

What’s Next for Senegal’s Constitutional Reform?

With the coalition’s proposals nearing completion, the focus will shift to securing their validation and transmission to President Faye’s administration. The success of this process hinges on the coalition’s ability to effectively communicate the benefits of these reforms to the Senegalese public and foster a sense of collective ownership. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this citizen-led initiative can translate into meaningful constitutional change.

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