On 7th June 2016 in the boardroom of the Institute of Political Science and International Relations of the Jagiellonian University, a meeting was held with Dr Łukasz Jakubiak  – author of the book “Senegal’s system of government”. The meeting was organized by the Jagiellonian Research Center for African Studies.

The meeting was opened by the director of the center, Professor Robert Kłosowicz, who welcomed the audience and invited the participants for the next book meeting organized by the Jagiellonian Research Center for African Studies, scheduled for September/October 2016.

Afterwards, Professor Andrzej Zięba, head of the Department of Constitutionalism and Political Systems of the Institute of Political Science and International Relations at the Jagiellonian University, introduced the author, presenting his research career and interests. He also presented two important figures, Professor Michał Rostworowski and Professor Marek Sobolewski, to whom Ph.D. Jakubiak refers in his book.

During the meeting, the author emphasized the phenomenon of Senegal in Western Africa as since the country’s independence the state has experienced only one coup d'état which began an authoritarian regime. Since that time, the alternation of power in Senegal has not experienced any further disruptions.

During the discussion Senegal’s party system, its president’s competencies, alternation of power and political stability in the country were introduced.  Dr Jakubiak emphasized the role of the French constitution in forming Senegal’s government system.

The meeting was concluded with a Q&A session with the audience. The participants were mostly interested in the office of the vice president, the influence of the Casamance conflict and tribalism on the political situation in Senegal, and the similarities between Senegal’s government system and various French constitutions.

Olga Kwiatkowska