In a sharp exchange that has sent ripples through Senegal’s political landscape, Modou Mbène Guèye, the Pastef coordinator for Saint-Louis, has publicly rebuked Abba Mbaye for what he describes as a betrayal of core political values. The confrontation unfolded after Mbaye, a former deputy, criticized the strategies of Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, drawing parallels between their approaches to coalition-building.
During a television appearance, Mbaye alleged that both leaders had sacrificed long-standing allies to consolidate power, suggesting a pattern of political expediency. Specifically, he pointed to President Faye’s efforts to integrate Kiiraay into the governing coalition as evidence of a troubling trend. This accusation, however, did not go unchallenged.
Modou Mbène Guèye’s fierce response
In a scathing rebuttal, Modou Mbène Guèye accused Abba Mbaye of political amnesia, arguing that the former deputy had contributed little to the electoral success of President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, despite previously opposing them. « Abba Mbaye lacks principles, convictions, and ethics—only ingratitude defines him, » Guèye declared, dismissing his rival’s criticisms as baseless.
The dispute also dredged up past controversies involving Mbaye. Guèye highlighted Mbaye’s 2022 election under the Yewwi Askan Wi banner, where he led the Taxawu Sénégal movement aligned with Khalifa Sall. Mbaye had famously declared after his victory that he owed no allegiance to anyone, a stance Guèye contrasted with earlier remarks during the legislative campaign, where Mbaye allegedly accused Sonko of obstructing his path to the mayoralty. The clash further extended to Mbaye’s contentious comments about the late socialist leader Ousmane Tanor Dieng, as well as his divisive remarks during the installation of the 14th legislature.
Saint-Louis stands firm with Pastef
Undeterred by Mbaye’s defection to the presidential camp, Modou Mbène Guèye reaffirmed his commitment to Pastef, stressing that Saint-Louis would remain loyal regardless of the incentives Mbaye might secure. He pointed to the party’s ongoing grassroots mobilization, which has already distributed 3,750 membership cards in the commune—a campaign that will resume this August 8 with renewed vigor.
