Press releases - 2026 May 20
His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will begin a series of consultations with the nation’s key stakeholders this Thursday, 21 May 2026, as part of the 2026 National Dialogue Day.
As announced by the Presidency of the Republic, these consultations will take place from 21 to 31 May 2026 at the Palais de la République. This year, they will be held in a more focused and personalized format, adapted to the religious calendar marked by the proximity of Pentecost and Tabaski.
A Republican Tradition Maintained
Since taking office on 2 April 2024, the President of the Republic has made dialogue and consultation a fundamental principle of governance. National Dialogue Day, observed annually on 28 May as a solemn republican event, reflects this commitment.
In 2024, the initiative focused on the reform and modernization of the justice system. In 2025, discussions centered on the political system, with more than 13,000 citizen contributions collected through the Jubbanti platform. In 2026, despite the adapted format, the approach remains faithful to the same doctrine: promoting dialogue in times of peace in order to build lasting consensus in the service of the Senegalese people.
“The Senegalese nation began before us and will continue after us,” the Head of State recalled during his interview on 2 May 2026, emphasizing the importance of a humble and inclusive approach that transcends political alternation.
An Exceptional Format Respectful of Religious Celebrations
Mindful of preserving the serenity of the major religious celebrations of Pentecost for the Christian community and Tabaski for the Muslim community, the President of the Republic has exceptionally opted for direct and individual consultations instead of a large public gathering.
“Concerned with ensuring that this major event on the national calendar is celebrated under the best possible conditions, the Head of State has exceptionally chosen to replace the traditional format with a more focused process of direct consultation,” stated the Presidency’s communiqué issued on 13 May 2026.
Content and Organization of the Consultations
The first phase of the consultations, beginning today, will bring together former Prime Ministers, former Ministers of Finance, and former Ministers of the Interior. A second, broader cycle will subsequently include other prominent figures, community leaders, and representatives of the nation’s key stakeholders.
The discussions will address the country’s economic, social, security, and political situation, with the objective of combining perspectives and experiences in order to build consensus that can strengthen public action and national cohesion.
This initiative forms part of a consistent governing approach: listening to those who have served the State, valuing the nation’s collective experience, and working together to build a united, sovereign, just, and prosperous Senegal.
The Communication Service of the Presidency of the Republic will keep the national public informed of the progress of these consultations.