In a bold move that has captured attention across Senegal, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed head of the Conseil sénégalais des chargeurs (COSEC), has publicly reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Her statement arrives at a critical juncture, as political tensions continue to escalate between Sonko’s Pastef party and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.
From advice to declaration: a strategic stance
Appointed to lead COSEC in May 2024, replacing Abdoulaye Diop, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam shared a revealing account of the counsel she received before her nomination. A trusted confidant allegedly advised her to remain steadfast in her support for Sonko, regardless of how political dynamics might shift in the future. This guidance, she revealed, was framed as a long-term investment in loyalty.
« Politics is unpredictable, and circumstances can change—sometimes leading to divisions, » she recounted. « When that day comes, ensure you are the first to stand by Ousmane. He will always look your way when he turns around. »
Her message culminated in a statement that has since sparked widespread discussion: « Dear brother, you will know who I am. And yes, Ousmane will see me. »
A political climate under scrutiny
Thiam’s public endorsement of Sonko comes at a time when institutional leaders and high-ranking officials across Senegal are facing intense scrutiny over their allegiances. As the country navigates a period of heightened political uncertainty, her words have added fuel to ongoing debates about loyalty, strategy, and the future of the opposition movement.
The COSEC director’s remarks underscore the deep divisions within the political landscape, where alliances are being tested and redefined. With Sonko’s influence remaining a pivotal force in Senegalese politics, figures like Thiam are making calculated choices that could shape the trajectory of the nation’s governance.
