A particularly charged atmosphere enveloped the National Assembly during the recent address by deputy Abdou Mbow. Taking to the podium, the parliamentarian painted a concerning picture of the national situation, unequivocally stating, « there is a crisis in this country ».
During his intervention, Abdou Mbow specifically referenced the Customs and the Directorate of Financial Affairs (DAF), before vehemently denouncing practices he believes could jeopardize public finances.
The deputy asserted that « when former Prime Ministers permit themselves to utilize funds earmarked for Casamance for political objectives, this country faces danger ». These serious allegations, which he did not further substantiate, immediately prompted an intervention from the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko.
On multiple occasions, the President of the National Assembly urged Abdou Mbow to « remain on topic » as the deputy attempted to continue his line of argument.
The deputy then invoked a prior instance involving Guy Marius Sagna, contending that Sagna had also made remarks exceeding the scope of the subject under discussion in a previous session. « Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the President, » Mbow maintained.
Ousmane Sonko once again interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his request for the deputy to stick to the theme. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian persisted, arguing that Guy Marius Sagna had himself « strayed from the subject » without being prevented from developing his intervention.
« Therefore, I emphatically state that, in this country, we must understand that our nation is in danger, » Abdou Mbow forcefully declared.
Faced with the deputy’s persistence, the tension escalated further. Ousmane Sonko then issued a stern warning: « Remain on topic or you will leave the podium. » The President of the National Assembly added, « I do not wish for you to depart in the same manner as last time, » alluding to a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the chamber.
Abdou Mbow reportedly refused to back down, maintaining his stance on the management of public funds. « We cannot embezzle our public funds and then seek refuge in the National Assembly. People will speak out, » he concluded.
