Once a close ally of Ousmane Sonko, Lansana Gagny Sakho now stands firmly behind President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as a leading figure within the Kiiraay party. In a candid television interview, the APIX board chairman delivered a scathing critique of his former mentor, accusing Sonko of consistently undermining the nation’s republican institutions. His remarks underscore a growing divide within Senegal’s political landscape as the new administration seeks to consolidate democratic governance.

Gagny Sakho revealed that he initially joined Sonko’s political movement driven by admiration for its leadership. However, he emphasized that his loyalty to Senegal’s constitutional framework took precedence over any personal ambition. “I declined a prestigious role in the water and sanitation sector not for personal gain, but to uphold the values that define our republic,” he stated during the broadcast.

His departure from Sonko’s circle, he explained, stemmed from a fundamental disagreement over governance. While acknowledging past challenges faced by the administration, he defended recent judicial reforms as a critical step toward strengthening the rule of law. “The judiciary is not a tool for political manipulation,” he asserted, challenging claims that magistrates could be easily swayed by external pressures.

Gagny Sakho reserved his harshest criticism for Sonko’s public statements, which he argued undermined national cohesion. He cited an instance when Sonko publicly questioned the government’s authority during the President’s official visits abroad, describing the remarks as deeply damaging to state credibility. “True leadership means respecting institutions, even in moments of disagreement,” he remarked.

The former ally also addressed allegations of political maneuvering within the justice ministry, dismissing claims that the administration sought to control magistrates. “Those who think judges are mere puppets misunderstand the core of our constitutional democracy,” he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to building a transparent and accountable government.