Artist from Senegal rides along Dakar shoreline, expressing support for Gaza
Senegal Stands Firm in Solidarity with Palestine
The historical relationship between Senegal and Palestine is marked by strong diplomatic support from Senegal for Palestinian independence and persistent solidarity over several decades.
Senegal's ties with Palestine date back to the 1960s, shortly after Senegal gained independence from France. The first president of Senegal, Leopold Sedar Senghor, was a vocal supporter of Palestinian independence. Senghor, along with leaders from other African countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Zaire, actively participated in mediation missions in Israel on behalf of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) [1].
Notably, during Senghor’s presidency, Senegal severed diplomatic ties with Israel following the Yom Kippur War, maintaining this stance until 1992, reflecting its firm support for Palestine [1]. Since 1975, Senegal has continuously chaired the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), underlining its leadership role in advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage [1][2].
In recent years, Senegal has hosted significant events promoting Palestinian solidarity, such as the 2025 Dakar conference uniting African activists in opposition to Israeli apartheid policies against Palestinians. This conference reinforces Senegal’s symbolic and strategic role in African and global Palestine solidarity networks [3].
Recently, Thierno Gueye, a performance artist from Senegal, staged a demonstration on horseback at Yoff Beach in Dakar. Gueye mounted his horse and rode along the coastline, attracting the attention of beachgoers. As part of the ritual, Gueye danced on the sand and chanted laments in the Wolof language. He carried a Palestinian flag during his performance as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Gaza [4].
Gueye explained that he was motivated by Senegal's longstanding support for Palestine and his desire to protest the suffering in Gaza. Gueye's performance initially surprised beach visitors, but they applauded when they saw the Palestinian flag being raised [4].
This longstanding policy has helped establish Senegal as one of Palestine's closest allies in Africa. Senegal was among the first African countries to allow Palestine to open a diplomatic mission on its soil in 1989 and was also one of the earliest nations to grant a diplomatic passport to former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat [1].
Senegal's unwavering support for Palestine continues to be recognized by international leaders. Turkey’s President Erdoğan praised Senegal for its "brave and resolute stance" and unwavering solidarity with Palestinians, which serves as a model for other countries [2][4].
Gueye plans to continue performing individually in the future, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people and to show that Senegal remains a strong ally in their fight for independence and self-determination.
References: [1] Anadolu Agency (AA), 2021. Senegal's Longstanding Support for Palestine. [Online]. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/senegals-longstanding-support-for-palestine/2165318 [2] Middle East Monitor, 2021. Turkey's Erdoğan Praises Senegal's "Brave and Resolute Stance" on Palestine. [Online]. Available: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210308-turkeys-erdogan-praises-senegals-brave-and-resolute-stance-on-palestine/ [3] The Palestine Chronicle, 2021. Dakar Conference Unites African Activists in Opposition to Israeli Apartheid. [Online]. Available: https://www.palestinechronicle.com/dakar-conference-unites-african-activists-in-opposition-to-israeli-apartheid/ [4] Anadolu Agency (AA), 2021. Senegalese Artist Rides Horse on Beach in Solidarity with Palestine. [Online]. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/senegalese-artist-rides-horse-on-beach-in-solidarity-with-palestine/2171238
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
