In a candid interview, Government Minister Yankhoba Diémé addressed the escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Diémé dismissed Sonko’s strategy as a deliberate ‘manufactured victimhood’ designed to manipulate public perception and divert attention from pressing national issues.

He argued that Sonko’s repeated claims of persecution were nothing more than a calculated attempt to cast himself as the victim while portraying President Faye as the antagonist. “This pattern of self-centered behavior and accumulated misdeeds ultimately reverses the roles, turning the victim into the perpetrator,” Diémé stated, emphasizing how such narratives could destabilize public trust in leadership.

Compensation delays under scrutiny

Addressing delays in compensating former detainees, Diémé categorically refuted allegations blaming President Faye for the holdups. “The notion that the President is responsible for these delays is entirely unfounded,” he asserted. “During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, he issued explicit instructions to the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Family Affairs to expedite the process.”

He also criticized the framing of former Prime Minister Sonko’s salary donation, highlighting that the gesture should not overshadow the state’s broader responsibilities in addressing victims’ needs. “While Sonko’s symbolic act deserves recognition, it cannot substitute for systematic support from state institutions,” he noted.

Political funds controversy

Diémé raised eyebrows over revelations about the Prime Minister’s discretionary political funds, estimated at 1.77 billion CFA francs. “I first learned of this figure in the National Assembly,” he admitted. “With such resources available, compensating a significant number of victims would have been feasible.” He backed his claim with financial simulations to underscore the potential impact of reallocating these funds.

Constitutional revision debate

On the recent constitutional revision, Diémé condemned what he described as ‘parliamentary trickery’ by certain political actors. “The President had called for inclusive dialogue, yet some have distorted this intent to serve narrow interests,” he remarked.

Macky Sall’s presence in Senegal

Responding to criticism surrounding former President Macky Sall’s freedom of movement in Senegal, Diémé defended President Faye’s approach. “The President is acting within his constitutional mandate,” he explained. “Macky Sall faces no legal proceedings or accusations, and Senegalese law strictly regulates any potential actions against a former head of state.”

He cautioned against unfounded accusations, stressing that only deputies hold the authority to initiate high treason proceedings. “Those inciting unrest must understand that baseless allegations serve no purpose other than to undermine stability,” he warned. “If Macky Sall provides clarity on relevant matters, there is no reason why the President cannot engage with him in a manner consistent with republican principles.”