Ousmane Sonko’s recent visit to Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal moment, offering him a significant political platform to deliver a series of striking indictments. Following the launch rally for the party card sales campaign, the Pastef leader convened another gathering in “Ngacc.” There, he initiated his address with a forceful condemnation of certain political figures, accusing them of pledging allegiance to the head of state purely to secure official appointments. According to Sonko, these individuals are “scrambling at the palace doors to become ministers of the Republic,” a conduct he deems fundamentally contrary to Pastef’s core principles.
He starkly contrasted this perceived opportunistic fervor with the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor does he overbill for contracts. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There’s no point in possessing all material wealth if one bows down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling revelation from the Pastef leader centered on the alleged channeling of misappropriated public funds into the holy city. “Recently, money has been funneled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he asserted, clarifying that this windfall was “not intended for politics” but rather served to fulfill “political demands.” This declaration is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the management of relations between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of his discourse was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general managers affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot be my general managers and simultaneously work for the election of an individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general managers from Wednesday onwards.” He emphasized that these executives “had professions and, for the most part, earned significantly more” prior to their appointments, suggesting they are not reliant on these positions for their livelihoods.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the President’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than turning Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: “He will sink this country with these DGs he indiscriminately recruits.” This statement signifies a clear and public rift, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
He starkly contrasted this perceived opportunistic fervor with the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor does he overbill for contracts. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further reinforced Pastef’s identity, adding: “There’s no point in possessing all material wealth if one bows down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling revelation from the Pastef leader centered on the alleged channeling of misappropriated public funds into the holy city. “Recently, money has been funneled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he asserted, clarifying that this windfall was “not intended for politics” but rather served to fulfill “political demands.” This declaration is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the management of relations between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of his discourse was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the head of state, allegedly directed at general managers affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot be my general managers and simultaneously work for the election of an individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general managers from Wednesday onwards.” He emphasized that these executives “had professions and, for the most part, earned significantly more” prior to their appointments, suggesting they are not reliant on these positions for their livelihoods.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the President’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than turning Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe caution regarding the rapid succession of appointments: “He will sink this country with these DGs he indiscriminately recruits.” This statement signifies a clear and public rift, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever.
