The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has adopted a more assertive stance in the wake of the arrest and subsequent incarceration of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, linked to the Programme des domaines agricoles communautaires (Prodac) dossier. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence des Cadres Républicains (CCR) traveled to Touba to meet with Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, the revered General Khalife of the Mourides, presenting their interpretation of the unfolding situation.

This pivotal engagement signals the commencement of a series of planned visits to various influential religious families across Senegal. For leaders within the APR, the imprisonment of their colleague transcends mere judicial proceedings; they perceive it as a deliberate political offensive targeting their party.

Addressing the General Khalife of the Mourides, CCR representatives vociferously decried what they characterized as a profound injustice and a judicial process unfairly biased against Pape Malick Ndour. They firmly asserted that his detention is part of a “political cabal” orchestrated by the prevailing regime.

Bocar Diongue, serving as the delegation’s spokesperson, articulated his political camp’s viewpoint. He stated, “Our presence in Touba today marks the beginning of a comprehensive tour to engage with Senegal’s esteemed religious families. We had a significant meeting with the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, where we thoroughly elucidated the circumstances surrounding the unjust arrest and imprisonment of our colleague, Minister Pape Malick Ndour.”

Allegations of injustice and a denial of responsibility

Republican officials contend that the legal actions initiated against their coordinator lack foundation in any direct involvement with the management of Prodac. They emphasize that the Inspection Générale des Finances (IGF) report, 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, explaining: “The Inspection Générale des Finances issued a report concerning Prodac’s management in 2018. In reality, our colleague Pape Malick Ndour had no involvement, direct or indirect, with Prodac’s management during that period. He was only appointed as coordinator in 2019. This clearly indicates that the report in question does not pertain to him in any way. Despite this, he finds himself incarcerated today based on a Prodac report.”

Within the APR, this incident is framed as yet another chapter in a series of legal proceedings perceived to target figures from the previous administration. Republican cadres consistently view these judicial actions as politically motivated.

Expanding on his remarks, Bocar Diongue extended the discussion beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s individual case. He asserted, “Just yesterday, comrades like Farba Ngom and numerous others were unjustly imprisoned without a shred of evidence. This list includes Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and many more. The sole reason our colleagues are being incarcerated is their perceived ‘sin’ of being members of the Alliance for the Republic.”

Direct accusations leveled against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko

The delegation made no attempt to conceal its direct accusations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom republican officials hold accountable for these ongoing legal maneuvers. Their spokesperson articulated this stance unequivocally. “Ousmane Sonko is the architect behind all these incarcerations; we proclaim this loudly and clearly,” Bocar Diongue declared emphatically. “However, he must understand that our struggle will persist, no matter the cost.”

Following their engagement in Touba, the CCR delegation proceeded with its tour to Thiénaba. There, leaders of the APR were welcomed by Serigne Assane Seck, the General Khalife of Thiénaba. Members of the delegation reported that this meeting was characterized by prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a clear message of solidarity extended to the former minister.