Ousmane Sonko’s recent tour through Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal moment, providing him with significant political platforms to deliver a series of compelling denunciations. Following the launch rally for the party’s membership card sales, the Pastef leader convened another gathering in “Ngacc.” There, he launched into a fiery critique of certain political figures, accusing them of pledging allegiance to the head of state solely to secure influential positions. He asserted that these individuals “are jostling at the palace gates to become ministers of the Republic,” a behavior he deemed fundamentally at odds with Pastef’s core principles.
Sonko contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the steadfast ethics of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister neither steals nor inflates market contracts. If their honor is compromised, they resign.” He then reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There’s no point in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down in the presence of others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling revelation from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “In recent times, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he declared emphatically, specifying that these funds were “not intended for politics” in a general sense, but rather served to fulfill particular “political demands.” This statement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly challenging the management of relations between the government and the esteemed religious city.
The climax of Sonko’s address was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted a statement he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general directors affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot simultaneously serve as my general directors and work towards the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he is free to dismiss all Pastef general directors as early as Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “had established professions and, for the majority, earned significantly more” prior to their appointments, implying that their livelihood does not depend on these government roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also voiced criticism regarding the President’s approach, suggesting that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than elevating Pastef officials to the status of “messiahs.” He concluded with a stark warning concerning the rapid succession of appointments: “He will lead this nation to ruin with these general directors he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
Sonko contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the steadfast ethics of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister neither steals nor inflates market contracts. If their honor is compromised, they resign.” He then reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There’s no point in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down in the presence of others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling revelation from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “In recent times, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he declared emphatically, specifying that these funds were “not intended for politics” in a general sense, but rather served to fulfill particular “political demands.” This statement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly challenging the management of relations between the government and the esteemed religious city.
The climax of Sonko’s address was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted a statement he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general directors affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot simultaneously serve as my general directors and work towards the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he is free to dismiss all Pastef general directors as early as Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “had established professions and, for the majority, earned significantly more” prior to their appointments, implying that their livelihood does not depend on these government roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also voiced criticism regarding the President’s approach, suggesting that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than elevating Pastef officials to the status of “messiahs.” He concluded with a stark warning concerning the rapid succession of appointments: “He will lead this nation to ruin with these general directors he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
