Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and prominent figure in the Pastef movement, revealed this week that a binding political protocol was agreed upon with Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to journalists, Sonko referred to the arrangement as the “Cap Manuel Protocol,” a framework he insists governed their mutual political commitments.

According to Sonko’s account, the discussions took place during his detention at Cap Manuel Prison. He claims that Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited him in his cell to negotiate terms regarding the movement’s strategy, particularly concerning potential delays to the presidential vote.

“There was indeed a Cap Manuel Protocol,” Sonko declared. He asserted that he firmly opposed any postponement of the election and instead endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the movement’s presidential candidate.

“I told him: I have chosen you, and if we win this election, we will govern together. In 2029, we will return to normal procedures,” he recounted.

To underscore the authenticity of his claims, Sonko vowed under oath, stating, “I swear before God and the Holy Quran that every word I have spoken is true.”

Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s acceptance of structural reforms

Sonko further alleged that Bassirou Diomaye Faye accepted the proposed political roadmap, framing his upcoming presidency as a period dedicated to implementing difficult reforms.

“He told me: this mandate will be one of hard reforms. I will take responsibility for them, and you will then have a clear path forward,” Sonko shared.

The former Prime Minister also mentioned an attempt to formalize the agreement by involving witnesses. He claimed to have suggested including third parties to verify the discussions, but his proposal was reportedly declined by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who insisted that their mutual trust made such precautions unnecessary.

Sonko recalled that Bassirou Diomaye Faye reassured him of his commitment, even going so far as to say, “I will think of your son, who shares my name, if I ever betray you in politics.”

Commitments for the 2029 presidential election

Sonko also addressed the topic of the 2029 presidential election, stating that the future of their political alliance hinged on the fulfillment of their agreements.

“I told him that if he remained true to this path, I would support his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would run myself,” he explained.

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s response was unequivocal: “He told me he would be my campaign director.”

These revelations arrive amid escalating tensions between the two former allies, casting new light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that preceded their historic victory in Senegal’s 2024 election.