A leading figure within Pastef les Patriotes, Aldiouma Sow, has forcefully rejected allegations of a clandestine agreement between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Speaking in a detailed statement posted on social media, Sow dismissed claims of a ‘secret pact’ forged during the President’s time at the Cap Manuel prison, emphasizing that no such agreement ever existed.
The Bureau politique national (BPN) member framed the President’s ongoing dialogue with political opponents as a genuine commitment to national reconciliation rather than a tactical maneuver. He highlighted that President Faye’s dedication to dialogue stems from his long-standing conviction, notably his nationwide call for national dialogue in May 2025. Sow underscored that the President had devoted extensive time to these discussions despite no legal, ethical, or constitutional obligation to do so.
In a direct rebuttal to Ousmane Sonko’s claims, Sow stated, « The candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye never entered into a secret pact at Cap Manuel prison. » He went on to suggest that it was Sonko himself who may have made such pledges while behind bars, claiming some opposition figures allegedly swore oaths, « hand on the Quran, » to hand power to Sonko upon assuming office.
Sow also criticized what he described as a « destructive messianic cult » within the party, which he argues has been eroding Pastef’s foundations since 2022. He pointed to controversial party nominations in that year’s legislative elections, where long-standing members were sidelined in favor of last-minute allies. « The same pattern will repeat in the upcoming legislative and local elections, » he warned, « and it will spell the political demise of Pastef’s grassroots. » He urged party coordinators to reject this « messianic dictate. »
Addressing ministers who remained in government despite internal party pressure, Sow delivered a resolute message: « Be proud of your decision. You may be removed from WhatsApp groups or Telegram channels, excluded from national party bodies, but politically, no one can strip you of your commitment to the patriotic project. »
Concluding his statement, Sow extended an olive branch to wavering members, urging them to reconsider their alignment with Sonko’s approach before it’s too late: « To all brothers and sisters, cadres, and deputies who may still be tempted by this destructive messianism, you still have time to change course. »
