Ousmane Sonko’s recent visit to Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal political platform, enabling him to deliver a series of powerful condemnations. Following the launch meeting for the party card sales initiative, the Pastef leader convened another gathering in Ngacc. There, he began his address by sharply criticizing certain political figures, accusing them of pledging allegiance to the head of state purely to secure official positions. He asserted that these individuals are “scrambling at the palace doors to become ministers of the Republic,” a behavior he deems fundamentally at odds with Pastef’s core principles.
In stark contrast to this perceived opportunism, Sonko highlighted the ethical standards of his own ministers. He declared, “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor do they inflate market prices. If their honor is compromised, they resign.” Emphasizing the party’s identity, he added, “It is pointless to possess all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
The Pastef leader then unveiled another startling revelation: the alleged diversion of public funds to the holy city. “Recently, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he asserted forcefully. He further clarified that this financial influx “is not intended for general politics” but rather serves to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is poised to ignite significant controversy, indirectly implicating the governance of relations between the state and the revered religious center.
The climax of Sonko’s address came with a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general managers affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot serve as my general managers while simultaneously working towards the election of an individual in 2029.”
Condemning this warning, Sonko retorted, “If he wishes, let him dismiss all Pastef general managers by Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “possess professions and and, for most of them, earned significantly more” prior to their appointments, implying that they do not rely on these positions for their livelihoods.
The leader of the National Assembly further criticized the President’s stance, suggesting that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” than elevating Pastef leaders to “messianic” status. Sonko concluded with a stern warning about the rapid succession of appointments, stating, “He will plunge this country into chaos with these general managers he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rift, as the relationship between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye appears more strained than ever.
