A charged atmosphere enveloped the National Assembly as Deputy Abdou Mbow took the floor, delivering a stark assessment of the nation’s state. His address painted a grim picture, asserting unequivocally that ‘a crisis grips this country,’ setting the stage for particularly tense exchanges.
During his impassioned speech, Mbow highlighted concerns regarding the Customs administration and the DAF (Direction de l’Administration et des Finances), strongly condemning practices he believes imperil public finances.
The deputy then escalated his accusations, stating that ‘when former Prime Ministers allow themselves to use funds allocated for Casamance for political motives, this nation is in peril.’ These unsubstantiated claims immediately prompted an intervention from the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko.
On multiple occasions, President Sonko urged Mbow to ‘remain on topic’ as the parliamentarian attempted to further develop his argument.
Mbow subsequently invoked a past incident involving Guy Marius Sagna, contending that Sagna had also made remarks exceeding the scope of the subject under discussion during a previous intervention. ‘Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the president,’ Mbow argued.
Ousmane Sonko again interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his demand to stick to the theme. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian persisted, insisting that Guy Marius Sagna had himself ‘strayed from the subject’ without being prevented from continuing his intervention.
‘Therefore, I emphatically state that, in this country, we must understand that our nation is in danger,’ Abdou Mbow declared forcefully.
As the deputy remained resolute, the intensity of the debate escalated. Ousmane Sonko then issued a stern warning: ‘Stay on topic or you will leave the podium.’ The President of the National Assembly added, ‘I do not wish for you to leave in the same manner as last time,’ referencing a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the chamber.
Abdou Mbow, however, refused to yield, maintaining his stance on the management of public funds. ‘One cannot embezzle our public funds, then come to the National Assembly seeking refuge. People will speak out,’ he concluded defiantly.
