A fiery political exchange has erupted in Senegal as the constitutional reform debate intensifies, with former PDS parliamentary group leader Modou Mbacké Bara Dolly taking aim at Pastef’s Ousmane Sonko.
In a sharp rebuke delivered this past Sunday, Dolly accused the opposition figurehead of being the « most skilled political manipulator » currently active on the national stage. His criticism centered on Sonko’s alleged contradictions in public statements and repeated accusations that, according to Dolly, lack verifiable evidence.
Multiple scandals under the spotlight
The former legislator singled out several high-profile cases that have dominated Senegalese political discourse in recent years. Among them were the Adji Sarr affair, claims of undeclared payments totaling 10 million F CFA allegedly made to deputies, and rumors surrounding a supposed public account holding 1,000 billion F CFA.
Dolly dismissed these allegations outright, stating: « The deputies never received the 10 million F CFA Sonko referenced — that claim was entirely false. » He went on to challenge the credibility of Sonko’s earlier assertions, framing them as baseless attempts to sway public opinion.
Political inconsistency at the core of the dispute
The former PDS parliamentary leader further accused Sonko of abandoning his initial revolutionary rhetoric in favor of a self-serving political strategy. He argued that the opposition leader’s evolving positions reflect a shift away from his past commitment to systemic change, instead prioritizing personal political ambitions.
Behind-the-scenes alliances and strategic maneuvering
Dolly also unearthed past political interactions, suggesting that Sonko had engaged in discussions regarding potential electoral alliances with figures from Senegal’s political landscape. He alleged that Karim Wade was once considered as a presidential candidate, while Sonko reportedly resisted the idea of other Pastef members representing the party in national elections.
Constitutional reform: a battle for institutional stability
The controversy over Senegal’s constitutional amendment process has become a flashpoint in the broader political struggle. Dolly framed the current debate as far more than a dispute between individual leaders — it’s a fight for the very foundations of the country’s governance.
He warned that certain initiatives aim to overhaul the power structure in ways that threaten long-term stability. « This isn’t about President Bassirou Diomaye Faye — it’s about the Constitution, » he emphasized, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
