Senegal’s National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko has issued a scathing critique of what he describes as the resurgence of entrenched political practices at the heart of the Presidency. Speaking to a packed crowd in Dahra Djoloff over the weekend, the Pastef leader exposed what he alleges is a deliberate reconstruction of the old regime’s methods within the corridors of power.
From campaign promises to perceived betrayal
Sonko’s remarks came during a rally that drew hundreds of Pastef activists, where he questioned the loyalty of long-time allies once in government. « This isn’t about individuals, but about upholding promises and the core values of our original project—transparency, accountability, sound justice, and fair resource management, » he emphasized. These principles were meant to break decisively with the country’s political past.
Institutions vs. popular sovereignty
The National Assembly leader reserved his sharpest criticism for the alleged manipulation of state institutions. « Today, the President leads a party with no electoral base, yet wields the machinery of government, » he argued. « In democracy, sovereignty belongs solely to the people—not to institutions. » He suggested that a government lacking grassroots support may compensate by leaning on state apparatus.
Judicial independence under threat?
Sonko went further, accusing the administration of attempting to co-opt the Supreme Court and Constitutional Council. « They’re reshaping the system from within, » he claimed, warning of maneuvers to turn top courts into instruments of political control. These actions, he insisted, reveal a six-year regression since the much-touted political alternation.
