Senegal’s apr targets Sonko over political arrests in Touba
In a bold move to rally religious support, Senegal’s ruling party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR), has intensified its campaign in Touba, accusing the government of weaponizing justice against opposition figures. The party’s delegation recently met with Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, the General Khalif of the Mouride Brotherhood, to denounce what they describe as politically motivated arrests.
The controversy centers on Pape Malick Ndour, the APR’s national coordinator, who was jailed in connection with the Community Agricultural Land Program (Prodac). Party leaders claim the charges stem from a 2018 financial audit report that predates Ndour’s appointment as coordinator in 2019, making his detention legally questionable.
APR accuses government of orchestrating judicial persecution
The APR’s delegation, led by spokesperson Bocar Diongue, made its case to Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, arguing that Ndour’s imprisonment is part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment targeting former officials. Diongue emphasized that multiple APR members, including Farba Ngom, Mansour Faye, and Moustapha Diop, have faced similar prosecutions without credible evidence.
“These arrests are not about justice—they are about political vengeance,” Diongue stated. “Our colleagues are imprisoned solely because they belong to the APR. We will not stand idly by as this injustice continues.”
Opposition blames Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko for crackdown
The APR’s accusations extend to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom party leaders hold directly responsible for the wave of arrests. “Sonko is behind these imprisonments,” Diongue declared. “But we will not back down—our fight for justice will persist.”
The delegation’s visit to Touba marks the first in a series of planned meetings with Senegal’s religious leaders. After meeting Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, the group traveled to Thiénaba, where they met with Serigne Assane Seck, the Khalif of Thiénaba, to seek prayers for Ndour’s release and further condemn the government’s actions.
