A particularly intense exchange unfolded within the National Assembly during the recent intervention by Deputy Abdou Mbow. Addressing the chamber, the parliamentarian painted a grim picture of the nation’s current state, declaring unequivocally that “there is a crisis in this country.”
During his address, Abdou Mbow specifically referenced the Douane (Customs) and the DAF (Directorate of Financial Affairs), proceeding to denounce practices he believes could severely jeopardize public finances and the national treasury.
The deputy then made a striking assertion, stating that “when former Prime Ministers allow themselves to use funds earmarked for Casamance for political reasons, this country is in danger.” These serious accusations, which he did not further substantiate at the moment, immediately prompted an intervention from the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko.
On multiple occasions, the President of the National Assembly urged Deputy Mbow to “remain on topic” as the latter attempted to continue his line of argument.
In his defense, Deputy Mbow invoked a previous incident involving fellow parliamentarian Guy Marius Sagna, contending that Sagna had also made remarks that strayed beyond the scope of the subject under discussion during an earlier intervention. “Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the president,” Mbow maintained.
Ousmane Sonko once again interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his demand for the deputy to stick to the theme. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian persisted, arguing that Guy Marius Sagna himself had “gone off-topic” without being prevented from developing his intervention.
“Therefore, I insist that, in this country, we must grasp that our nation is in danger,” Abdou Mbow firmly declared.
Faced with the deputy’s unwavering persistence, the tension in the chamber escalated further. 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,” alluding to a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the assembly.
Abdou Mbow, however, refused to back down, steadfastly maintaining his focus on the management of public funds. “We cannot divert our public funds and then seek refuge in the National Assembly. People will certainly speak out about this,” he concluded.
