Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – The political landscape of Senegal’s capital shifted on Monday, August 25, 2025, after the Supreme Court’s summary judge rejected a session suspension request filed by former Dakar mayor Barthélémy Dias, effectively clearing the path for the election of his successor.
In a tense, extraordinary municipal council session, Abass Fall, a prominent figure in the opposition Pastef party, was elected as the new mayor of Dakar. He secured 49 votes, defeating Ngoné Mbengue, who garnered 30 votes, along with other candidates.
The vote, supervised by the Prefect of Dakar, marked a decisive moment in the city’s leadership transition despite ongoing legal disputes.
Dias, who has vehemently contested his dismissal, denounced it as an “illegal revocation” of his mandate. His appeal to the Supreme Court sought to suspend the decision pending a final ruling, but the court’s rejection removed the last legal hurdle to the election of a new mayor.
The outcome has redrawn the balance of power within the Dakar municipal council. Taxawu Dakar, traditionally dominant with 32 councilors, and the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition, with 33 seats, were both outmaneuvered in the strategic vote, allowing Pastef, with only 12 councilors, to capture the city’s top municipal seat.
Fall’s victory was seen as a significant boost for Pastef, the party of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, as it continues to expand its influence beyond the national stage and into key local strongholds.
The election also sparked reactions on social media. Veteran journalist Madiambal Diagne posted a pointed remark on X, writing, “Abass Fall of Pastef elected mayor of Dakar. Bravo to Khalifa Sall.”
The post, widely interpreted as ironic, suggested that former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall may have played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating Fall’s win.
Despite the jubilation in Pastef ranks, political observers note that Dias’ ongoing legal challenges could still shape the political dynamics ahead, particularly as questions remain over the legality of his ouster and the precedent it sets for municipal governance in Senegal.
The Supreme Court is ultimately to decide on the legality surrounding Barthelemy Dias ousting on September 28.
Meanwhile, Abbas Fall the newly designated mayor is currently both the city’s mayor and the minister of employment. He has, however, pledged to give up one of these two roles.
“I’ve always maintained that, even where the law permits it, I oppose holding several roles. I will not combine my position as minister with that of mayor of Dakar in accordance with what we promised the Senegalese people,” he said following the vote. He promised to take the required steps in the days ahead to resign from his position as minister.
The President of the Republic and the prime minister will ultimately take the appropriate steps to validate his departure from the cabinet. Additionally, the newly appointed mayor of Dakar promised that “there will be no political factions at Dakar City Council.”
