Meeting this Saturday at L'Harmattan, the FPR-Yoon Wi movement held its general assembly in an atmosphere blending militant fervor and rhetoric of change. On this occasion, its president, Abdoulaye Bamba Gning, clearly outlined his ambitions for the political future of Senegal.

From the outset of his speech, the movement's leader chose a metaphor to capture attention: that of a hundred-page speech left almost entirely blank. "Tonight, I will not be that man. For this moment is too important to remain silent," he declared to an audience of activists, leaders, and supporters. Abdoulaye Bamba Gning framed his address within a historical perspective, invoking the legacy of the ancestors and the founding values of the Senegalese nation. He spoke of "a people forged in hardship, bound by honor and strengthened by solidarity," calling for a return to this spirit to build the future.

The president of the FPR-Yoon Wi thus advocated for a "profound renaissance," encompassing moral, political, and social dimensions. "Freedom is a struggle, justice is a necessity, and peace is built through commitment," he emphasized, urging Senegalese citizens to reject resignation. In this spirit, he officially relaunched his movement, presenting it as "a lever for national recovery" and not as "just another party." This was a way for him to distinguish himself from the traditional political landscape and position himself as a credible alternative.

A party in reconstruction after the BBY era

Speaking on behalf of the elders, Mamadou Lamine Sall recounted the party's history. Founded in 2013, the FPR-Yoon Wi participated in the 2014 local elections, winning seats on the municipal council, before joining the Benno Bokk Yaakaar coalition in 2017. According to him, the turning point came after the loss of power by former President Macky Sall's camp, ushering in a new phase for the movement. "Abdoulaye Bamba Gning was chosen to lead the party because of his values," he emphasized.

The various components of the party also expressed their commitment. Speaking on behalf of women, Ndèye Sokhna Cissé Sy emphasized their central role in political struggles. "Women must be at the forefront. The country is in agony, and we believe that President Gning can embody change," she declared, even going so far as to predict his election in 2029.

The same tone was struck by the youth, where Ousseynou Niang painted a worrying picture of current challenges: unemployment, lack of training, and irregular migration. "Young people demand their place at the decision-making table," he asserted, seeing in the FPR-Yoon Wi "a promise and a hope." Invited to speak, former minister Aminata Lô Dieng delivered a scathing critique of the current situation. "Senegal is in the midst of an economic tragedy. Workers, women, and civil servants are suffering," she declared.

Pointing to the unmet expectations of the people, she said that "the country is struggling to get out of the abyss", calling for mobilization around the project led by Abdoulaye Bamba Gning.