Attempted Coup by Prime Minister Mamadou Dia

In 1962, Senegal experienced a major political crisis when Prime Minister Mamadou Dia attempted a coup against President Léopold Sédar Senghor. The tension between the two leaders had been growing due to their differing visions for the country’s future. Dia favored a more socialist and state-controlled approach to economic development, while Senghor supported a more moderate, pro-Western path with close ties to France. Their rivalry eventually led to a dangerous power struggle. On December 17, 1962, Dia attempted to dissolve the National Assembly and mobilized troops to prevent a parliamentary vote that sought to remove him. However, Senghor quickly rallied the army and loyal forces, who arrested Dia and his supporters. Dia was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, though he was later released in 1974. This event marked the end of Senegal’s brief experiment with a dual executive system, strengthening Senghor’s presidential authority and solidifying his control over the nation’s political landscape. #SenegalHistory #MamadouDia #LéopoldSédarSenghor #AttemptedCoup #SenegalPolitics #WestAfricaHistory #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife