Senegalese minister slams Sonko’s victimization claims, backs president faye

Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Yankhoba Diémé, has sharply criticized former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, accusing him of orchestrating a deliberate strategy of victimization against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The minister dismissed recent allegations suggesting the president is responsible for delays in compensating former detainees, calling such claims groundless political maneuvering. In a candid interview, Diémé emphasized that President Faye had issued clear directives during a cabinet meeting, ordering swift action on the matter.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Ousmane Sonko’s decision to donate his four-million-franc salary to victims, Diémé argued that the move distracts from the state’s broader obligations. “Charitable gestures should not absolve institutions of their duties,” he stated, stressing that the government must fulfill its responsibilities transparently.

Political funds controversy and constitutional reform

Diémé also weighed in on the revelation that the Prime Minister’s office held 1.77 billion CFA francs in political funds. He questioned why these resources weren’t immediately allocated to compensate victims, presenting financial simulations to highlight the potential impact of such a decision.

Turning to Senegal’s recent constitutional amendments, the minister condemned what he described as parliamentary trickery, alleging that certain political actors had hijacked the president’s vision of national dialogue. “The spirit of collaboration was undermined by procedural manipulation,” he asserted.

Former president Macky Sall’s presence in Senegal

Responding to public concerns about former President Macky Sall’s freedom of movement in Senegal, Diémé defended the current administration’s stance. “The president is acting within his constitutional mandate,” he explained. “Macky Sall faces no legal proceedings, and the law strictly regulates any potential actions against former heads of state.”

The minister clarified that only lawmakers can initiate high-treason proceedings, urging critics to refrain from unfounded accusations. He concluded by affirming that if Macky Sall provides necessary clarifications on outstanding issues, President Faye would be open to engaging with him in adherence to democratic principles.