Democratization and Islam : the Senegalese exception

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the factors conducive to secularism in Senegal. It shows that Islam is in fact compatible with democracy and freedom. Indeed, despite the persistence of authoritarianism in many Islamic societies, Senegal, with a 94% Muslim population, experienced a successful political transition from 1960 to 2000. The articulation between religion and politics differs from the scenario observed in other Muslim countries like Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Syria. Senegal is a secular state with a democratic political culture that stemmed from the colonial era.