Ousmane Sonko reveals cap manuel protocol with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
In a dramatic revelation, Ousmane Sonko, Senegalese opposition leader and former Prime Minister, has publicly confirmed the existence of a political agreement—dubbed the “Protocol of Cap Manuel“—signed with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before the 2024 presidential elections. Sonko, speaking from his prison cell where he was detained during the campaign period, claimed the deal outlined a shared vision for their political future under the Pastef movement.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through Senegal’s political landscape, raising questions about the nature of the compromise that facilitated the historic 2024 electoral victory. Sonko, who was incarcerated at the time, insisted the agreement was binding and rooted in mutual trust.
An agreement forged in detention
Sonko recounted that Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited him in prison to discuss strategies amid rising concerns over a potential postponement of the presidential vote. According to Sonko’s account, he emphatically rejected any delay and publicly endorsed Faye as the movement’s presidential candidate.
« I designated you to lead the campaign, and together we will win the election and govern, » Sonko recalled saying. « In 2029, we will return to the original plan, » he added, emphasizing the temporary nature of Faye’s mandate.
To reinforce the credibility of his claims, Sonko took an oath, swearing on the Quran: « I swear before God and the Holy Quran that this protocol is real. »
Faye’s acceptance of the political framework
Sonko further alleged that Bassirou Diomaye Faye agreed to the terms, framing his presidency as a transitional phase dedicated to implementing structural reforms. « He told me, ‘This mandate will be one of difficult reforms. I will take them upon myself, and you will have a clear path ahead,’ » Sonko recounted.
He also suggested that Faye dismissed the need for formal witnesses, citing their unshakable trust as sufficient guarantee. Sonko noted that Faye even invoked personal ties, telling him he would consider his own son—who shares the president’s name—if he ever betrayed their political pact.
2029: The next chapter in their alliance
The discussion, Sonko claimed, extended to the 2029 presidential election. He stated that he had made it clear to Faye that his continued support would depend on whether the president honored their agreement.
« I told him that if he stayed true to this path, I would back his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would run myself, » Sonko revealed. According to his account, Faye responded definitively: « He said he would be my campaign manager. »
These revelations come at a time of growing tensions between the two former allies, casting new light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that preceded Senegal’s 2024 political transition. The dispute over the legitimacy and enforcement of the Cap Manuel Protocol threatens to redefine the dynamics of their partnership and the future of Pastef.
