The Foreign Policy of Senegal Since 2000

The document analyzes Senegalese foreign policy under President Abdoulaye Wade (2000–2012) and the transition to President Macky Sall. It highlights a shift from 'classical' diplomacy led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs toward a more technical, economy-centered approach involving non-state actors and specialized ministries. The paper emphasizes the 'hyper-power' of the presidency over the legislature and judiciary in external affairs. Key trends include a realignment toward emerging economic powers like China and Dubai, a revival of Pan-Africanist goals through the African Union and Nepad, and a high degree of personalization in diplomacy under Wade. Following the 2012 election, the author notes a return to traditional diplomacy, characterized by restored ties with France and improved relations with neighbors like Gambia and Mauritania.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has lost its monopoly over external policy to other government departments and technical specialists. This is evidenced by Decree No. 2000–296 of May 2000, which subjects the MFA's jurisdiction to international assignments involving other ministers, specifically the Minister of Economy and Finance and the Minister of African Integration.
• Senegal has increasingly integrated economic and commercial goals into its diplomacy, shifting focus toward emerging powers and South-South dialogue. This includes strategic partnerships with the BRICS group, Iran, Morocco, and Dubai, such as the $1 billion Diamniadio development scheme involving Dubai Ports World.
• There has been a revival of Pan-Africanist thinking and a push for African political unity, coinciding with the transition from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) in 2000 and involvement in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
• The Senegalese presidency exercises nearly absolute control over foreign policy, marginalizing the legislature and judiciary. The president alone negotiates international commitments and ratifies treaties, while parliament is often excluded from discussions via 'simplified' or 'executive' agreements.
• Under President Abdoulaye Wade, foreign policy became highly personalized and individualistic, sometimes leading to diplomatic tensions. Examples include incendiary remarks regarding the Ivory Coast in 2001 and contradictory statements regarding the extradition of Hissène Habré in 2010.
• Following the election of President Macky Sall in March 2012, Senegal shifted back toward a 'classical' diplomatic stance. This transition is marked by the restoration of a prioritized relationship with France, a focus on good governance and audits of previous leaders, and improved relations with Gambia and Mauritania.

APA

Sall, A. (2013). The Foreign Policy of Senegal Since 2000. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-141.pdf

Chicago

Sall, Alioune. The Foreign Policy of Senegal Since 2000. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2013. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-141.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sall |first1=Alioune |title=The Foreign Policy of Senegal Since 2000 |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=April 2013 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-141.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sall2013foreign, author = {Sall, Alioune}, title = {{The Foreign Policy of Senegal Since 2000}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2013}, month = apr, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-141.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }