In a candid interview, Minister Yankhoba Diémé addressed escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He dismissed Sonko’s ‘victimization’ strategy as a calculated attempt to manipulate public perception, accusing him of reversing the roles of victim and perpetrator in ongoing political disputes.

« This narcissistic behavior and accumulation of unethical actions ultimately transform the victim into the aggressor, » Diémé asserted. His remarks suggest a deliberate effort to sway public opinion against the head of state.

Compensation delays: President exonerated of responsibility

Addressing delays in compensating former detainees, the minister categorically rejected claims linking President Faye to the issue.

« It has been falsely suggested that the President is responsible for the delayed payments. That is incorrect. He issued clear directives during a Council of Ministers meeting, instructing both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Family Affairs to expedite the process, » Diémé stated.

He also criticized the framing of former Prime Minister Sonko’s salary donation. While Sonko announced a CFA 4 million contribution to victims, Diémé emphasized that this gesture should not overshadow the government’s obligations in the matter.

Political funds controversy: a missed opportunity

The minister highlighted the existence of a CFA 1.77 billion political fund under the Prime Minister’s office, which he argued could have been used to compensate victims.

« It was only in the National Assembly that we learned about this fund. With such resources, compensating a significant number of victims would have been feasible, » he explained, presenting financial simulations to support his claim.

Constitutional reform: a betrayal of dialogue

Diémé criticized the constitutional reform process, accusing certain political actors of distorting the President’s call for inclusive dialogue.

« The President urged all stakeholders to engage in dialogue, but what followed was parliamentary trickery, » he alleged.

Macky Sall’s presence: a legal and constitutional stance

On the matter of former President Macky Sall’s freedom of movement in Senegal, Diémé defended President Faye’s approach.

« Some argue that the President has changed his stance because he allows Macky Sall to move freely under police protection. However, this is precisely within his constitutional role. The former President faces no legal charges or accusations, » he clarified.

He emphasized that Senegalese law strictly regulates any potential proceedings against a former head of state, stating that only deputies can initiate high treason proceedings.

« To those clamoring for action, I must remind them that unsubstantiated accusations do not make one a hero. The law must guide our actions, » Diémé concluded.

He added that if Macky Sall were to provide clarifications on pending cases, there would be no legal obstacle preventing President Faye from engaging with him in accordance with republican principles.