The leader of the ACT party, Ibrahima Thiam, has sharply criticized recent statements made by Ousmane Sonko, labeling them as inflammatory and detrimental to national unity.
In a strongly worded opinion piece titled “The use of generalizations as a strategy: Sonko’s latest misstep”, Ibrahima Thiam argues that Sonko’s remarks were perceived as targeting Touba and, by extension, the Mouride community. He contends that these statements are not part of a substantive debate but rather a calculated communication tactic relying on provocation, sensationalism, and division.
According to Thiam, the implication—or even the mere suggestion—that an entire city and religious community could be linked to illicit activities represents a significant political misstep. He emphasizes that in a democracy, responsibility must be individual, not collective, and that leaders who foster suspicion about entire groups undermine truth in favor of harmful generalizations.
The ACT party president further accuses Sonko of employing populist rhetoric, where catchy slogans replace reasoned arguments and media spectacle overshadows responsible discourse. He suggests that this approach aims to energize PASTEF’s militant base by fostering an atmosphere of confrontation rather than constructive engagement.
Thiam underscores that Touba is far more than just a city—it is a spiritual, economic, and historical cornerstone of Senegal. He highlights the Mouride community’s pivotal role in national cohesion, cautioning that any public statements risking a blanket indictment of this group must be handled with the utmost care.
He concludes by urging political leaders to adopt a more measured tone, grounded in facts and mutual respect, to safeguard national unity and prevent emotional reactions from overshadowing democratic discourse.