Despite relative political and institutional stability in Senegal, with three democratic transitions in the past years (2000, 2012 and 2024), problems remain in relation to deepening democracy, meeting social demands and an institutional imbalance, with the executive branch exerting influence over the legislative and judicial branches.

The “Senegal 2050” Transformation Agenda, a new economic and social policy framework, and the 2025-2029 National Development Strategy (SND) 2025-2029 embody the ambition of a sovereign Senegal and set the course for development based on a rethinking of the economic model, inclusive social transformation, renewed governance and balanced regional development. Senegal has a diverse civil society that is very active in various development sectors, engaged in governance issues and very vocal on human rights, justice and equity issues.

The country, which went through a period of unrest and political and social tension from 2021 to 2024, saw the Senegalese vote on 24 March 2024 for the third time for a change of government with the election of His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, thus expressing their aspiration for change and the advent of governance based on ethics, transparency and accountability.

However, the country is still experiencing deepening divisions in the political arena, despite the dialogue initiatives that continue to be a hallmark of Senegalese democracy.

It is in this context of a shrinking civic space, characterised by the arrest and imprisonment of journalists and columnists for crimes of opinion, that civil society organisations (CSOs), in all their diversity, are assuming their crucial role in promoting political and civic awareness and engagement. Through their engagement, these CSOs contribute to public policies as well as the improvement of governance and living conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.