In a candid interview, Lansana Gagny Sakho, former ally of Ousmane Sonko and now a leading figure in the Kiiraay party, has leveled serious allegations against the opposition leader. Speaking as President of the Board of Directors of the APIX, he accused Sonko of never having truly embraced Senegal’s republican values.
Rejecting power for principles
Sakho revealed that after Senegal’s political shift, he was offered a key position in the water and sanitation sector but declined to prioritize his convictions over political office. “I refused to compromise my principles for a seat at the table,” he stated. “Choosing the Republic was my only option.” This decision, he explained, allowed him to distance himself from Sonko’s inner circle while maintaining his commitment to the nation’s stability.
A breach in trust
Sakho’s criticism extends beyond personal choices. He accused Sonko of undermining state authority during a period when the president was abroad on official visits. “When the head of state is representing Senegal abroad, the last thing we need is public statements that question the government’s legitimacy,” he remarked. These remarks, he argued, exposed deep divisions within the political landscape and weakened public trust in institutions.
Justice under scrutiny
The former ally also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where the previous minister, Ousmane Diagne, had publicly declared his independence from external influence. Sakho alleged that Diagne’s removal was intended to place a more pliable figure in the role, one who could sway judicial decisions. “They thought magistrates could be manipulated—how wrong they were,” he asserted. “Judges are not puppets; they uphold the law, not the whims of politicians.”
The cost of division
While acknowledging challenges on all sides, Sakho emphasized the progress made under the current administration, particularly in strengthening the judiciary. He contrasted this with Sonko’s approach, which he described as divisive and detrimental to national cohesion. “True leadership means serving the Republic, not exploiting its fractures,” he concluded.
