APR delegation in Touba criticizes Ousmane Sonko before religious leader
The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has significantly escalated its engagement in Touba following the detention of Pape Malick Ndour. Party representatives, in a direct appeal to Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, vehemently denounced what they described as a political vendetta orchestrated by the current administration. This pivotal meeting before the revered spiritual leader reignites crucial discussions on justice and political dynamics across Senegal, shaping *African news today*.

The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has adopted a firmer stance following the arrest and incarceration of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Programme des domaines agricoles communautaires (Prodac) dossier. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence of Republican Cadres (CCR) journeyed to Touba to engage with the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to present their interpretation of the unfolding situation.
This visit signals the commencement of a planned series of engagements with various religious families across Senegal. For APR officials, their colleague’s imprisonment transcends a mere legal matter, representing what they perceive as a targeted political offensive against their party. This development is certainly a key focus in *pan-African current affairs*.
Before the Khalife General of the Mourides, the CCR representatives vociferously condemned what they deemed an injustice and a biased procedure aimed squarely at Pape Malick Ndour. They asserted that Ndour is being held as part of a “political cabal” which they attribute directly to the current ruling administration.
Bocar Diongue, speaking on behalf of the delegation, elaborated on his political faction’s position. He stated, “We are in Touba today, initiating a tour of Senegal’s religious families. We met with the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we explained the full context of our comrade, Minister Pape Malick Ndour’s, unjust imprisonment.”
Claims of injustice and denial of responsibility
Republican leaders contend that the legal actions taken against their coordinator lack direct evidence of his involvement in the management of the Prodac program. They explained that the report from the Inspectorate General of Finance, central to this case, predates Pape Malick Ndour’s tenure at the head of the program.
Bocar Diongue underscored the chronology presented by the APR: “The Inspectorate General of Finance’s report concerning Prodac’s management was issued in 2018. In reality, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour was not involved in any way with Prodac’s management during that period. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour was appointed as coordinator. This clearly indicates that the report does not pertain to him. Yet, despite this, he has been sent to prison based on a Prodac report.”
Within the APR, this incident is framed as another chapter in a series of legal persecutions targeting officials from the previous government. Republican cadres maintain that several prominent figures from their ranks have already faced judicial scrutiny, viewing these proceedings as politically motivated. This is a significant piece of *Africa politics English* news.
In this vein, Bocar Diongue broadened his critique beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s individual case. He declared, “Yesterday, it was comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were imprisoned without a shred of evidence. Among them are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are being jailed is because they committed the ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance for the Republic.”
Direct accusations leveled against Ousmane Sonko
The delegation made no secret of its direct accusations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom Republican officials hold responsible for these judicial procedures. Their spokesperson articulated this position with unwavering clarity. “It is Ousmane Sonko who is behind all these imprisonments, and we proclaim it loudly and clearly. But he should know that the struggle will continue, whatever the cost,” Bocar Diongue asserted.
Following their engagement in Touba, the CCR delegation continued its tour to Thiénaba. There, APR officials were received by the Khalife General of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. According to delegation members, this meeting included prayers for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of support extended to the former minister, highlighting a significant aspect of *African society news*.
