Ousmane Sonko’s recent visit to Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal moment, transforming into a series of political forums where he delivered powerful indictments. Following the launch event for the party’s membership card sales, the Pastef leader convened another significant gathering in Ngacc. There, he initiated his address by vehemently criticizing certain political figures, accusing them of pledging allegiance to the head of state solely to secure official appointments. He asserted that these individuals are “scrambling for positions at the palace to become ministers of the Republic,” an approach he deemed fundamentally opposed to Pastef’s core principles.
In stark contrast to this perceived opportunism, Sonko highlighted the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor does he inflate market prices. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There is no point in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another shocking revelation from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged channeling of embezzled public funds into the holy city of Touba. “Recently, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he declared emphatically. He clarified that these funds were “not intended for politics” but were being used to satisfy “political demands.” This statement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the dynamics between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of Sonko’s impassioned speech was a direct challenge to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general managers aligned with Pastef: “You cannot be my general managers and simultaneously work for the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general managers by Wednesday.” He underscored that these senior executives “had professions and earned significantly more, for the majority of them,” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the president’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than turning Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: “He will plunge this country into chaos with these general managers he is indiscriminately recruiting.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
In stark contrast to this perceived opportunism, Sonko highlighted the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor does he inflate market prices. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There is no point in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another shocking revelation from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged channeling of embezzled public funds into the holy city of Touba. “Recently, money has been poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he declared emphatically. He clarified that these funds were “not intended for politics” but were being used to satisfy “political demands.” This statement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the dynamics between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of Sonko’s impassioned speech was a direct challenge to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general managers aligned with Pastef: “You cannot be my general managers and simultaneously work for the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general managers by Wednesday.” He underscored that these senior executives “had professions and earned significantly more, for the majority of them,” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the president’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than turning Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: “He will plunge this country into chaos with these general managers he is indiscriminately recruiting.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
