As a staunch supporter of Pastef and Ousmane Sonko, Waly Diouf Bodian’s removal from the Port of Dakar leadership marks a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape. The decision, though unexpected by some, follows a pattern of changes at the helm of key public enterprises.

In 2022, Bodian made a bold prediction on Facebook, declaring that former President Macky Sall would no longer set foot in the Presidential Palace after April 2024 without an invitation from Ousmane Sonko. The irony was not lost on observers when Macky Sall returned to Senegal this year, not under Ousmane Sonko‘s presidency, but just as Bodian himself was being relieved of his duties.

The wave of leadership changes in Senegal’s public sector shows no signs of slowing. Bodian’s dismissal follows the removal of other high-profile figures such as Aïda Mbodji, Toussaint Manga, Ngagne Demba Touré, and Alioune Guèye from their respective positions.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Waly Diouf Bodian was officially relieved of his duties as Director General of the Port of Dakar. His successor, Doune Pathé Mbengue, an administrator and current mayor of Cambérène, has been tasked with overseeing the operations of one of the country’s most critical economic infrastructures.

Bodian, who took over from Mountaga Sy in May 2024, had previously served as Deputy Director of Legislation and International Cooperation at the General Directorate of Taxes and Domains (DGID). His appointment to the Port of Dakar leadership was seen as a strategic move, but his dismissal underscores the evolving priorities of the current administration.

A measured response from a political figure

Beyond his administrative role, Bodian was a vocal and uncompromising defender of Ousmane Sonko. His rhetoric on social media and in public forums often positioned him as a fierce advocate for the Pastef leader, even going so far as to dub himself the “Guardian of the Guardian of the Revolution” when Sonko was honored as the “Guardian of the Revolution.”

His removal from the Port of Dakar post has left many in the Pastef base questioning the administration’s commitment to its core supporters. While some leaders chose to resign in protest following Ousmane Sonko’s removal from the Prime Minister’s office, Bodian remained in his position—until now.

When questioned about his decision to stay, Bodian maintained that his role was part of a larger collective strategy within the party. His response was clear: “There is a distinction between individual actions and collective decisions. Some have chosen to manage this situation individually. But we are politicians, part of a party, and we follow the party’s guidance. I was not self-appointed; this position was granted within the framework of the party.”

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s decision to remove Bodian from his post signals a definitive end to his tenure at the Port of Dakar. The reaction from Bodian, however, was characteristically understated. Without bitterness or public outcry, he shared a brief message on his Facebook page: “Alhamdoulillah. I give thanks to God.”