Saint-Louis is at the center of a heated political debate after Modou Mbène Guèye, coordinator of Pastef in the region, publicly rebuked Abba Mbaye for his criticism of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s coalition-building strategy.
During an appearance on a local news program, Abba Mbaye accused Ousmane Sonko of sacrificing allies to secure his parliamentary majority, drawing parallels to what he claims President Faye is doing with the Kirraay coalition. Mbène Guèye swiftly countered these remarks, dismissing them as a display of political amnesia.
Unfounded allegations spark sharp response
Mbène Guèye accused Abba Mbaye of lacking principles, convictions, and ethics, labeling his behavior as pure ingratitude. He argued that Mbaye contributed nothing to the election of President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, despite previously criticizing them relentlessly.
The dispute intensified as Mbène Guèye revisited Mbaye’s political history. A former deputy under the Yewwi Askan Wi platform in 2022, Mbaye had once boasted of owing no one for his victory, a claim Mbène Guèye called inconsistent with earlier statements. He also highlighted past remarks where Mbaye allegedly blamed Sonko for obstructing his mayoral ambitions and disrespected veteran politician Ousmane Tanor Dieng.
Saint-Louis stands firm with Pastef
Undeterred by Mbaye’s shift toward the presidential camp, Mbène Guèye reaffirmed his support for Pastef, declaring that Saint-Louis would remain loyal to the party. He pointed to a recent membership drive that distributed 3,750 cards in the commune, with a second phase set to launch on August 8.
The clash underscores growing tensions within Senegal’s political landscape, particularly in Saint-Louis, where local leaders are reinforcing their commitment to the ruling party.
