Ousmane Sonko’s recent engagements in Touba and Mbacké proved to be pivotal political moments, serving as platforms for him to unleash striking condemnations. Following the launch meeting for the party card sales drive, the Pastef leader convened another gathering at ‘Ngacc’. There, he initiated his address by fiercely criticizing certain political figures, whom he accused of pledging allegiance to the Head of State solely to secure positions of power. These individuals, he asserted, are ‘scrambling at the palace gates to become ministers of the Republic,’ a stance he deemed entirely contrary to Pastef’s foundational principles.
He contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministerial appointees: ‘A Pastef minister does not steal, does not overbill contracts. If their honor is compromised, they resign.’ He further underscored the party’s identity, adding, ‘There is no point in having all possessions at one’s disposal if you bow down when passing before people. We are people of principle.’
Another significant revelation from the Pastef leader involved the alleged channeling of embezzled public funds into the holy city. ‘Recently, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,’ he declared emphatically, specifying that these funds were ‘not intended for politics’ but rather served to fulfill ‘political demands.’ This explosive statement is poised to spark considerable controversy, indirectly scrutinizing the administration’s relationship with the religious city.
The climax of his address was a direct provocation aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the Head of State concerning general directors affiliated with Pastef: ‘You cannot be my general directors and work for the election of a person in 2029.’
Condemning this warning, Sonko retorted, ‘If he wishes, let him dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.’ He made a point of reminding everyone that these executives ‘had professions and earned considerably more, for most of them,’ prior to their appointments, implying their financial independence from these government roles.
The National Assembly leader also lambasted the President’s focus, suggesting he should be preoccupied with ‘other concerns’ rather than making Pastef leaders into ‘messiahs.’ He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: ‘He will sink this country with these DGs he picks up indiscriminately.’ This declaration marks a clear and public rift, as relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever, signaling a new chapter in Senegal political tensions.
He contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministerial appointees: ‘A Pastef minister does not steal, does not overbill contracts. If their honor is compromised, they resign.’ He further underscored the party’s identity, adding, ‘There is no point in having all possessions at one’s disposal if you bow down when passing before people. We are people of principle.’
Another significant revelation from the Pastef leader involved the alleged channeling of embezzled public funds into the holy city. ‘Recently, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,’ he declared emphatically, specifying that these funds were ‘not intended for politics’ but rather served to fulfill ‘political demands.’ This explosive statement is poised to spark considerable controversy, indirectly scrutinizing the administration’s relationship with the religious city.
The climax of his address was a direct provocation aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the Head of State concerning general directors affiliated with Pastef: ‘You cannot be my general directors and work for the election of a person in 2029.’
Condemning this warning, Sonko retorted, ‘If he wishes, let him dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.’ He made a point of reminding everyone that these executives ‘had professions and earned considerably more, for most of them,’ prior to their appointments, implying their financial independence from these government roles.
The National Assembly leader also lambasted the President’s focus, suggesting he should be preoccupied with ‘other concerns’ rather than making Pastef leaders into ‘messiahs.’ He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: ‘He will sink this country with these DGs he picks up indiscriminately.’ This declaration marks a clear and public rift, as relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever, signaling a new chapter in Senegal political tensions.
