The Senegalese presidential camp has sharply rebuked recent remarks by Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, calling them scandalous and unbecoming of his role as National Assembly President.

During the inauguration of the Pastef headquarters in the holy city of Touba on Sunday evening, Sonko launched a fierce critique of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He accused the president of prioritizing political ambitions over national interests, citing the country’s near-unpayable public debt and the lack of a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Senegalese citizens must understand that their well-being is not Diomaye Faye’s priority, Sonko declared to his supporters.

The presidential coalition swiftly responded, rejecting Sonko’s claims as a smear campaign. In an official statement, the team emphasized that the president is actively working to improve living conditions for all citizens. The coalition also accused Sonko of stoking perpetual confrontation rather than contributing to constructive dialogue.