The article discusses the legitimacy of civil society in Senegal, emphasizing its role as a moral and social actor alongside elected officials. It highlights the historical and political context of civil society's involvement in democratic processes, particularly in the recent political change with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election. The text explores the complementary and sometimes conflicting relationship between civil society and political legitimacy, underscoring the importance of collaboration for effective governance. It warns against the dangers of politicizing civil society and the risks of authoritarianism when its legitimacy is undermined. The authors advocate for a balanced partnership between civil society and political actors to ensure democratic stability and address national challenges.

The article discusses the need for judicial reform in Senegal, emphasizing the importance of separating powers to ensure judicial independence. It critiques the current system where the President holds significant influence over the judiciary, leading to politically motivated decisions. The article highlights the South African model as a successful example of maintaining judicial independence and suggests that Senegal should adopt similar practices. It calls for a comprehensive reform to decolonize and emancipate the justice system, aligning with the aspirations of Senegalese citizens for a fair and equitable judiciary.

Senegal faces a political crisis as President Macky Sall indefinitely postpones the presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2024, citing ambiguous reasons. This decision has intensified public distrust and is seen as a strategic move to neutralize political opponents, particularly Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose candidacy poses a significant threat to Sall's political survival. The article highlights the historical precedence of holding elections during crises in the United States and argues that postponing elections undermines democratic principles and stability. The postponement is viewed as a dangerous precedent that could erode democratic institutions and legitimacy.

The U.S. Senate, following the House of Representatives, voted to suspend the debt ceiling, narrowly avoiding the threat of a default.

René Lake pays tribute to his long-time friend, philosopher Moctar Diack, who was recently buried in Dakar. Lake reflects on Diack's intellectual prowess, his ability to embrace doubt, and his evolution from a leftist protester in the 1970s to a more detached observer. Diack's doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne on 19th-century French medical materialism is highlighted, along with his rationalist approach to transcending African specificity. Despite his significant contributions, Diack, like many of his generation, remains largely unrecognized in Senegalese history. Lake fondly recalls the many evenings spent with Diack in Paris and Dakar, where Diack's balcony served as a hub for leftist intellectuals. Lake expresses gratitude to Diack for his friendship and hopes that Senegal will one day fully acknowledge his contributions.

René Lake pays tribute to his long-time friend, philosopher Moctar Diack, who was recently buried in Dakar. Lake reflects on Diack's intellectual prowess, his ability to embrace doubt, and his evolution from a leftist protester in the 1970s to a more detached observer. Diack's doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne on 19th-century French medical materialism is highlighted, along with his rationalist approach to transcending African specificity. Despite his significant contributions, Diack, like many of his generation, remains largely unrecognized in Senegalese history. Lake fondly recalls the many evenings spent with Diack in Paris and Dakar, where Diack's balcony served as a hub for leftist intellectuals. Lake expresses gratitude to Diack for his friendship and hopes that Senegal will one day fully acknowledge his contributions.