Waly Diouf Bodian, a prominent supporter of Ousmane Sonko and Pastef party activist, has been dismissed from his position as Director of the Dakar Autonomous Port by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The decision comes amid a politically charged climate, with Bodian’s past public statements about former President Macky Sall resurfacing in an unexpected twist.
From fierce defender to unexpected dismissal
Once considered one of the most vocal defenders of Ousmane Sonko within Pastef, Waly Diouf Bodian had built a reputation as a relentless critic of former President Macky Sall. His 2022 Facebook post, where he boldly declared that Macky Sall would no longer set foot in the Presidential Palace after April 2024 without an invitation from Sonko, now appears strikingly ironic in hindsight.
Fast forward to July 2026, and the situation has taken an unexpected turn. Macky Sall has returned to Senegal, but Ousmane Sonko no longer holds the premiership. Compounding the irony, Bodian’s removal from his post at the Dakar Autonomous Port coincides precisely with Sall’s return, marking a stark contrast to the activist’s past predictions.
A wave of leadership changes in Senegal’s public sector
Waly Diouf Bodian’s dismissal follows a series of high-profile replacements in Senegal’s state-owned enterprises. He is the latest in a line that includes Aïda Mbodji (DER/FJ), Toussaint Manga (LONASE), Ngagne Demba Touré (SOMISEN), and Alioune Guèye (PETROSEN). The trend reflects a broader restructuring within the public sector under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.
On July 16, 2026, the Council of Ministers officially announced Bodian’s removal, appointing Doune Pathé Mbengue—an administrator and mayor of Cambérène—as his successor. Mbengue, previously the Deputy Director of Legislation and International Cooperation at the General Directorate of Taxes and Domains (DGID), officially took over the role on May 13, 2024, following Mountaga Sy.
A leader caught between loyalty and political realities
Beyond his official role, Bodian was a prominent and outspoken figure within Pastef, often engaging in fierce public debates in defense of Ousmane Sonko. His self-proclaimed title as the “Guardian of the Guardian of the Revolution” underscored his unwavering commitment to the party’s leader.
His dismissal has raised questions among observers and party members alike. Many had expected Bodian to resign in solidarity with Sonko following the latter’s removal from the premiership. However, Bodian had previously stated his distinction between personal and collective political decisions, emphasizing his adherence to party directives rather than individual protest.
In a rare display of restraint, Bodian responded to his dismissal with a simple message on Facebook: “Alhamdoulillah. I give thanks to God.” The brief statement reflected a calm acceptance of the decision, devoid of public criticism or bitterness.
