MESSAGE À LA NATION (Par Serigne MBOUP)
Dear citizens, dear fellow citizens,
If I speak today, it is with a profound sense of concern, fear, and demotivation. A sincere concern about the situation our country is going through.
I speak from the heart, but also with a sense of responsibility.
My path wasn't meant to lead me to where I am today. My dream was to become an Arabic teacher after graduating from Koki and to continue my studies in Arab and Islamic countries. But life had other plans. Since 1983, at my father's urging, I've been immersed in the world of work.
And by the will of the Senegalese people, I had the honor of holding high responsibilities in the private sector, at the regional and national level, before becoming mayor of one of the most important cities in Senegal.
A city that embodies our diversity: all ethnicities, all brotherhoods, all religions. A crossroads city, an economic city, a symbolic city.
I have never been involved in politics for myself. I do it to serve, to build, to improve the daily lives of our people.
Since our establishment, we have faced enormous difficulties: blockages, disruptions, obstacles. But thank God, we have persevered, and we have results to show.
Through my travels around the world, I have observed one essential thing: Senegal is respected, loved, and Senegalese people are recognized for their courage and hard work.
But today, a reality is challenging us.
At the very moment we are discovering our oil and gas resources, at the very moment when hope should be at its peak, our young people are taking to the water in canoes to flee. They are risking their lives to go and work in factories in Europe, producing goods that we could manufacture here.
Our investors are leaving the country to invest elsewhere.
Even we Senegalese are on the same path. Many have already left or are considering it.
And that's serious. Very serious.
We had placed great hope in the duo who now lead our country. But what we are increasingly seeing are tensions, misunderstandings, and conflicts which, let's be clear, are becoming dangerous for the stability of our nation.
History has taught us a simple truth: any manipulation of the rules for personal gain always ends up backfiring on its perpetrators.
Today, what scares me the most is the possible manipulation of our Constitution.
On both sides, each seeks to strengthen its power, whether executive or legislative.
The judicial system is waiting.
Those who create wealth, however, are marginalized, under pressure, sometimes even silenced.
And yet, they are the true civil society. They are the ones we must listen to.
The Constitution should not be an instrument of power. It should be a pillar of stability.
That is why I am making a clear, direct and unambiguous appeal:
Let's stop. Now.
Let's think. Together.
Let's put strong mechanisms in place:
- No constitutional provision should be amended without extensive prior consultation
- The people must be consulted on all major decisions
- New technologies, including artificial intelligence, must be used to amplify the voice of the people
But beyond the institutions, there is another, even more serious, problem.
A moral decline.
Today, we create pressure groups.
Attacks are being organized.
Public opinion is being manipulated.
Not to build, but to destroy the other.
Activists insult each other, get dirty, and attack each other violently.
And the most serious thing… many come from Daaras, good schools, supposed to uphold values of ethics and restraint.
Today, these same people are participating in the division.
And when someone calls for peace, truth, and responsibility, they are attacked, isolated, and silenced.
The result: a collective fear takes hold.
No one is speaking anymore.
No one tells the truth anymore.
And a nation without truth is a nation in danger.
Yet our references taught us everything.
“الجماعة رحمة، والفرقة عذاب”
(Unity is mercy, division is punishment)
And Allah tells us clearly:
« فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ »
(If you disagree on anything, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger)
We have the solutions. We have the references. But we no longer apply them.
Let us look at the example of the Prophet ﷺ — and draw concrete political lessons from it.
At Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet ﷺ accepted an agreement that appeared unfavorable.
His companions themselves were troubled. Some did not understand.
But he saw further ahead.
He chose peace over confrontation.
He chose strategy over pride.
The result: this agreement opened a period of stability and dialogue, and allowed for a massive expansion of Islam.
That's a clear lesson:
Making a compromise to preserve the nation is not a weakness — it is a vision.
Then comes فتح مكة (Fath Makkah).
The Prophet ﷺ returns to a position of strength.
He has the power. He can take revenge.
But what is he doing?
He forgives.
He essentially said:
“اذهبوا فأنتم الطلقاء”
(Go ahead, you're free)
The result: he doesn't just conquer a city —
He wins hearts.
That is the real victory.
That's real politics.
That is true wisdom.
Today, we are doing the exact opposite:
When we are weak, we cry out.
When we have a little power, we crush.
That's not the way.
Let's also look at the world today.
There is a clear power imbalance between the United States and Iran. Yet neither chooses total destruction.
Why? Because everyone knows the price would be too high.
They choose, despite everything, the path of dialogue.
And we, as brothers, as compatriots, refuse to sit down?
This is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, in our territories:
- Young people don't have jobs
- Farmers produce without finding markets
- Street vendors survive
We are in winter, but there is no serious debate on agriculture.
We are in a job crisis, but there is no strong plan for young people.
And soon, the canoes will set off again.
If that happens, it will be a collective failure.
And I say this with gravity:
A country that loses its youth loses its future.
A country that lets its investors leave weakens its sovereignty.
A nation that abandons its dignity exposes itself to a new form of domination.
I appeal to the leaders:
Don't think about yourself.
Think of Senegal.
Sit down.
Speak.
Make a commitment for the common good.
Compromise is not a weakness.
This is a sign of greatness.
Let's get back to basics:
Our values.
Our religious leaders.
Our wise men.
Our scholars.
Because that is how Senegal was built.
I remain hopeful.
But this hope depends on your decisions.
NOW.
May God protect Senegal.
May God guide its leaders.
And may Senegal find its way back to unity, work and dignity.
Thank you.
Serigne MBOUP
Mayor of Kaolack
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