The Alliance pour la République (APR) has adopted a firmer stance following the apprehension and imprisonment of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Programme des domaines agricoles communautaires (Prodac) dossier. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation representing the Convergence des cadres républicains (CCR) journeyed to Touba to meet with the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to convey their interpretation of the unfolding situation.

This significant outreach marks the commencement of a planned series of engagements with various influential religious families across Sénégal. For APR officials, their comrade’s incarceration transcends a mere legal matter, instead representing a targeted political offensive against their party, a critical issue in current West Africa news.

During their audience with the Khalife General of the Mourides, the CCR representatives articulated their condemnation of what they perceive as an injustice and a biased legal process against Pape Malick Ndour. They assert that Ndour is being held as part of a “political cabal,” which they attribute directly to the existing government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue elaborated on his political faction’s position. He stated: “We are present in Touba today, initiating a tour to engage with Sénégal’s religious families. We have met with the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we have detailed the intricacies surrounding the unjust arrest and imprisonment of our comrade, Minister Pape Malick Ndour.”

Claims of injustice and denial of responsibility

Republican leaders maintain that the legal proceedings initiated against their coordinator lack a basis in his direct involvement with Prodac’s management. According to their explanations, the report from the Inspection générale des finances, central to this case, predates Pape Malick Ndour’s tenure at the helm of the program.

Bocar Diongue reiterated the timeline put forth by the APR: “The report from the Inspection générale des finances concerning Prodac’s management was issued in 2018. In reality, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour was neither directly nor indirectly involved in any aspect of Prodac’s management during that period. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour was appointed as coordinator. This clearly indicates that the report does not pertain to him. Despite this, he has been imprisoned based on a Prodac report.”

Within the APR, this affair is presented as another chapter in a pattern of prosecutions targeting figures from the former administration. Republican cadres argue that several prominent members have already faced judicial scrutiny, viewing these procedures as politically motivated, a common theme in pan-African news.

In this vein, Bocar Diongue extended his remarks beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s individual case. He declared: “Yesterday, it was our comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were incarcerated without a shred of evidence. Among them are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are being imprisoned is their perceived ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance pour la République.”

Accusations against Ousmane Sonko

The delegation openly accused Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, holding him directly responsible for these legal actions. Their spokesperson articulated this position with unwavering clarity. “It is Ousmane Sonko who stands behind all these imprisonments; we assert this loudly and unequivocally. However, he must understand that our struggle will persist, no matter the cost,” Bocar Diongue firmly declared, underscoring a significant development in African politics.

Following their visit to Touba, the CCR delegation continued its tour to Thiénaba. APR officials were received there by the Khalife General of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. According to the delegation members, this meeting was marked by prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of steadfast support extended to the former minister, providing crucial Africa news English updates.