In a recent television appearance, Lansana Gagny Sakho, Chairman of the Board of the APIX, addressed his break from Ousmane Sonko while reaffirming his commitment to the nation’s republican institutions. Reflecting on his political journey, he explained that his early alignment with Pastef stemmed from admiration for its key figures, not necessarily its platform. Upon the transition of power, he deliberately declined a high-profile appointment in the water and sanitation sector to uphold his principles. « I prioritized integrity over position. This decision allowed me to move forward with clarity. From the start, I chose the Republic, » he stated.
Contrasting his path with that of Ousmane Sonko, Sakho criticized the opposition leader for what he described as a persistent disregard for national cohesion. He pointed to a public statement made by Sonko during President Faye’s official visit to the United States and China, in which Sonko questioned the government’s authority. According to Sakho, such remarks undermined the head of state’s credibility and deepened political divisions at the highest level.
The former ally of Pastef emphasized that true political leadership lies in strengthening democratic institutions rather than exploiting divisions. While acknowledging that challenges existed on both sides, he highlighted notable progress in the justice sector, marking a turning point for governance in the country.
Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where former Minister Ousmane Diagne had asserted his independence before parliament. The replacement of Diagne, he argued, was an attempt to install a more compliant leader who could influence judicial decisions. « That miscalculation revealed a fundamental misunderstanding — judges are not puppets, » he asserted, underscoring the resilience of the judiciary against external pressures.
Over the past weeks, Sakho has consistently voiced his support for President Diomaye Faye’s policies, emphasizing the importance of institutional stability and continuity. His remarks come amid a wave of resignations within Pastef, with several party officials shifting allegiance to the presidential camp ahead of the upcoming launch of the Kiiraay party.
