Islam and Politics in West Africa: Intricacies of the Relationship as Seen Through Mali and Senegal

Abstract

This chapter explores the relationship between Islam and political life in selected Sub-Saharan countries. It looks at the trajectory that the relationship took in Mali and Senegal in order to explain the contemporary differences we see between the two countries. In the former, religion is generally relegated to the private sphere and efforts of individuals. In the latter, however, religion plays a significant role in politics, making Senegal an officially secular, yet an unofficially very Muslim state. The chapter argues that this is what is at the basis of politics and society in Senegal. It further illustrates the complexities and flexibilities of the relationship between politics and society by examining the gender parity law in Senegal.