In a recent interview, Yankhoba Diémé, Senegal’s Minister of Communications, addressed the escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The minister firmly rejected Sonko’s portrayal of himself as a victim, accusing him of a deliberate strategy to mislead public opinion and undermine the government.

According to Diémé, Sonko’s approach involves leveraging what he termed a ‘manifest victimization narrative’ to distort perceptions of leadership and responsibility. “This narcissistic posture systematically portrays the genuine victim as the oppressor,” he stated, warning that such tactics risk destabilizing national cohesion.

Government clears President Faye of delayed compensation claims

Addressing criticism over unpaid compensation to former detainees, Minister Diémé dismissed claims that President Faye was responsible for the delays. “The President issued explicit directives to the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Family Affairs during a cabinet meeting,” he clarified. He emphasized that such accusations were unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the administration’s reputation.

The minister also challenged the narrative surrounding Ousmane Sonko’s decision to donate his salary. While Sonko announced a CFA 4 million contribution to victims, Diémé argued that this gesture did not absolve the state of its obligations. He highlighted the existence of substantial political funds under the Prime Minister’s office—CFA 1.77 billion—which, he contended, could have expedited compensation processes.

Constitutional revision criticized as ‘parliamentary deceit’

Diémé criticized political actors for what he described as a ‘parliamentary deceit’ during the recent constitutional revision process. He alleged that the spirit of inclusive dialogue championed by President Faye had been deliberately subverted by legislative maneuvers.

Former President Macky Sall’s presence defended

On the issue of former President Macky Sall’s continued presence in Senegal, Diémé defended the current administration’s approach. He pointed out that Sall enjoys full legal protection and faces no judicial proceedings, emphasizing that the President is merely fulfilling constitutional duties. “The Senegalese legal framework strictly regulates any potential prosecution of former heads of state,” he noted.

Addressing critics who accuse the government of inconsistency, Diémé stressed that only the National Assembly can initiate high treason proceedings. He urged restraint, warning against baseless accusations that could destabilize the political climate. “We must remind those agitating for change that responsible governance requires evidence, not rhetoric,” he concluded.

Should former President Sall provide the necessary clarifications, Diémé suggested that President Faye would be open to dialogue within the bounds of republican principles.