In a sweeping statement released on his official Facebook page, Aldiouma Sow, a prominent member of Pastef les Patriotes’ National Political Bureau (BPN), has staunchly defended party officials who accepted the invitation extended by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This move comes at a time when the rift between the Head of State and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, continues to send shockwaves through Senegal’s political landscape.
The dialogue initiated by President Faye is not a fleeting tactical maneuver, Sow emphasized, but rather a deeply rooted conviction that has defined his political approach since the national dialogue he championed in May 2025. « For him, dialogue is not a situational variable to be adjusted as needed, » the Pastef leader declared. He went on to highlight the President’s unwavering commitment to constructive engagement, noting how he has devoted « entire days to dialogue » despite there being no constitutional, ethical, or moral obligation to do so.
Sow also seized the opportunity to dispel a persistent rumor swirling in political circles: the claim that a secret pact was struck at the Cap Manuel prison prior to President Faye’s release. « Candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye never entered into any secret agreement at the Cap Manuel prison, » he asserted firmly, the day after Sonko publicly alleged such a pact existed between them. In stark contrast, Sow suggested that it was within the walls of that very prison where other presidential hopefuls allegedly pledged, « hand on the Quran, » to hand power over to Sonko upon assuming office.
The BPN member went further, condemning what he described as a « destructive messianic complex » that has plagued the party since 2022. He pointed to the legislative elections of that year, where long-standing Pastef members were sidelined in favor of last-minute allies, as well as the local elections held around the same time. « The same pattern will repeat in the upcoming legislative and local elections, spelling the political demise of Pastef’s grassroots, » he warned, urging coordinators to « reject this messianic dictate. »
Addressing ministers who have remained steadfast in their government positions despite internal party pressures, Sow delivered a resolute message: « Be proud of your decision. While you may face exclusion from party WhatsApp and Telegram groups or suspension from national structures, no one can ever strip you of your commitment to the patriotic project. »
He concluded with an appeal to the undecided, urging them to abandon the Sonko-centric dynamic before it’s too late: « To our other brothers and sisters, cadres, and deputies who may still be tempted by this destructive messianism, you still have time to change course and avoid irreversible consequences. »
