In the midst of escalating political tensions in Senegal, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed director-general of the Senegalese Shippers’ Council (COSEC), has publicly reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Her stance comes at a critical juncture as the country grapples with deepening divides between Sonko’s Pastef movement and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.
From advice to allegiance: Thiam’s public endorsement
Appointed to lead COSEC in May 2024, following the departure of Abdoulaye Diop, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam has emerged as a vocal supporter of Ousmane Sonko. Her decision follows a private counsel she shared in a Facebook post, quoting a close associate who urged her to prioritize loyalty to Sonko regardless of future political shifts.
« Politics is unpredictable. Circumstances can change—even lead to divisions. When that time comes, ensure you are Ousmane’s most loyal ally. He will always look to you, » she recalled the advice, emphasizing the enduring bond she intends to uphold.
She closed her message with a pointed remark: « Dear brother, you’ll know who you are. And yes, Ousmane will see me. » The statement has sparked immediate debate, underscoring her commitment to Sonko amid a backdrop of shifting alliances within Senegal’s political landscape.
Political loyalty under scrutiny
Thiam’s public declaration arrives at a moment when institutional leaders across Senegal are facing intensified scrutiny over their political affiliations. As tensions rise between key figures in both the ruling coalition and the opposition, her stance has drawn both praise and criticism, highlighting the delicate balance between professional duty and personal conviction.
The COSEC director-general’s move signals a broader struggle for influence, with public servants increasingly pressured to align with political factions. Her words serve as a reminder of the personal stakes involved in navigating Senegal’s evolving political climate.
