In stark contrast to prominent leaders who primarily observe from a distance, awaiting missteps from Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, figures such as Barthélémy Dias and Maguette Sène are actively engaging with communities. By moving beyond the traditional confines of Dakar-centric opposition, they are directly challenging both the presidential camp and the Pastef leader through proactive political initiatives.

These established opposition figures, notably those within the Front for the Defense of the Republic and Democracy (FDR), largely confine their activities to meetings and public statements concerning electoral integrity or the ongoing rivalry between Diomaye and Sonko. They consistently seize opportunities to criticize the Pastef leader, who, despite their efforts, is steadily expanding his party’s influence.

Grassroots engagement by Barthélémy Dias and Maguette Sène

Conversely, certain political leaders, recognizing the shifting dynamics, have chosen to distance themselves from this internal political bickering and instead prioritize direct community engagement. Through extensive political tours and courtesy visits, figures like Barthélémy Dias and Maguette Sène, the mayor of Malicounda, are distinguishing themselves. They are confronting the two perceived political rivals, Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, directly on the ground.

Alioune Badara Kandji, a sociologist and social sciences consultant, emphasizes this strategy: «The true measure in politics is the field. It is the sole instrument for understanding populations thoroughly through direct proximity and interaction.» He further asserts that «Maguette Sène and Barthélémy Dias are adopting the correct approach. Attacks against Sonko do not constitute an effective strategy.»

Since the launch of his «Sénégal Bi Ñu Bokk» movement in May 2025, the former mayor of Dakar, Barthélémy Dias, has intensified his grassroots efforts. He has been relentless in his initiatives, which include international and national tours, membership drives, courtesy visits, and the introduction of innovative concepts. To expand his movement’s reach, Dias has traveled to the United States, Europe, and several African nations, consistently maintaining contact with his supporters. More recently, he spearheaded «Dokh Mbokk,» a philosophy centered on direct engagement and dialogue with citizens. This approach has taken him across nearly every region of the country before returning to Dakar, where for the past month, he has been traversing the capital’s streets and neighborhoods to meet with residents.

Maguette Sène’s political initiatives

Leading «And Liguey Gokh Yi – La Marche des Territoires,» a significant coalition comprising approximately thirty organizations, Maguette Sène is executing an unwavering grassroots campaign. Following his endorsement as a candidate for the upcoming local elections for the Malicounda mayoralty by his party’s women’s wing last June, he was appointed coordinator of the coalition on August 10, 2026, during a gathering in Dakar. Beyond this, Sène is traveling extensively across the nation to establish local party cells.

Dr. Macoumba Diouf, mayor of Latmingué and first vice-president of the And Liguey Gokh Yi coalition, articulates their focus: «Our priority is to stand with the people, assisting them in overcoming the challenges and addressing the legitimate aspirations they face. This is a sufficient task, rather than mediating between two former party comrades. We are not interested in that duality.»

Beyond these two prominent figures, other political personalities are also observed engaging, albeit differently. Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba conducts courtesy visits, while Serigne Mboup, Mansour Faye, and Moustapha Diop are occasionally seen on social media platforms showcasing their political activities, though they do not typically organize large-scale gatherings.