Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the Pastef party, has publicly confirmed the existence of a political agreement reached with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to the press, Sonko described the deal as the “Cap Manuel protocol,” a framework he claims guided their political alliance during a critical period.
Political talks behind bars
Sonko revealed that the discussions took place while he was detained at the Cap Manuel prison in Dakar. According to his account, Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited him in his cell to discuss the future of their movement amid growing concerns about a potential postponement of the presidential election.
“There was indeed a Cap Manuel protocol,” Sonko asserted. He explained that he firmly opposed any delay to the vote and insisted that Bassirou Diomaye Faye represent their political camp in the election. “I told him: I have chosen you, and when we are released, we will campaign, win the election, and govern together. By 2029, the transition will proceed as planned,” he recounted.
To emphasize the seriousness of his claims, Sonko took an oath, swearing on the Quran: “I swear before God and the Holy Quran that this is the truth.”
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s commitment to reforms
According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye agreed to the political arrangement and framed his presidency as a period dedicated to implementing difficult structural reforms. “He told me: this mandate will be one of tough reforms. I will take them upon myself, and you will have a clear path ahead,” Sonko shared.
The former Prime Minister also mentioned an attempt to formalize the agreement with witnesses, but claimed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed the idea, citing their mutual trust. “He said he would think of his son, who bears his name, if he ever betrayed me politically,” Sonko added.
Future political plans for 2029
Sonko further disclosed that the 2029 presidential election was discussed during their meeting. He stated that he had made it clear to Bassirou Diomaye Faye that their continued collaboration would depend on the fulfillment of their commitments. “I told him that if he stayed true to this path, I would support his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would run myself,” he explained.
Sonko claimed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s response was unequivocal. “He replied that he would be my campaign director,” he stated.
These revelations come at a time of heightened political tensions between the two former allies, reigniting debates about the pre-election agreements that paved the way for their 2024 victory and the subsequent shift in Senegal’s political landscape.
