The coalition supporting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has voiced profound “indignation” following the latest media offensive from Ousmane Sonko, leader of Pastef. They characterized Sonko’s statements as “scandalous remarks” and “crypto-personal attacks,” asserting that such rhetoric “does not honor his function as president of the National Assembly.”

During the inauguration of Pastef’s headquarters in the sacred city of Touba on the evening of Sunday, July 12, 2026, the former Prime Minister launched a scathing critique against the current president. Ousmane Sonko accused Bassirou Diomaye Faye of prioritizing his political ambitions, including the establishment of his own party, over the fundamental interests of the Senegalese people. He highlighted what he described as the nation’s “almost unpayable” public debt and the absence of a structured program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as key concerns. Addressing his supporters in Touba, Sonko emphatically declared, “The people of Senegal must understand that they are absolutely not the primary concern of Diomaye Faye.”

These provocative declarations elicited a swift and sharp rebuttal from the head of state’s camp. In an official communiqué, the ‘Diomaye’ coalition firmly refuted Sonko’s claims, asserting that President Diomaye Faye is “actively engaged in seeking solutions to enhance the living conditions of our fellow citizens.” The statement also included a pointed reference to Ousmane Sonko, criticizing those who “appear to consistently favor permanent confrontation.”