In a bold statement during a recent radio interview, Lansana Gagny Sakho, Chairman of the Board of the APIX (Agence des Parcs Industriels du Sénégal), shed light on the reasons behind his growing distance from Ousmane Sonko and his unwavering commitment to Senegal’s republican institutions. Speaking on a morning show, he emphasized that his decision was rooted in principle rather than personal gain, recalling how he initially joined Pastef’s political project due to the individuals behind it.
Sakho revealed that after the political transition, he turned down a high-profile appointment to lead the water and sanitation sector to uphold his values. « I refused to let positions dictate my principles, » he asserted. « That decision made my departure from the party effortless. From the very beginning, I chose the Republic over personal loyalties. »
In stark contrast, Sakho accused Sonko of never prioritizing the Republic’s stability. He criticized the opposition leader for deepening divisions at the highest levels of government through public statements, particularly during the president’s official visits to the United States and China. According to Sakho, Sonko’s remarks—questioning the government’s authority while the president was abroad—embarrassed the head of state and undermined national cohesion.
For Sakho, true political leadership lies in strengthening state institutions and ensuring their smooth operation. While acknowledging that challenges existed on both sides, he highlighted significant progress, especially in the justice sector. He recalled the recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where the former Minister, Ousmane Diagne, had declared before the National Assembly that no one could manipulate him. Sakho suggested that the minister’s replacement was an attempt to install a more compliant figure to influence judges.
« That assumption was flawed, » he argued. « Judges are not puppets. The realities of power are far more complex than opposition rhetoric suggests. » His remarks reflect a broader trend of disillusionment within Pastef, with several party members recently crossing over to the president’s camp ahead of the launch of the new Kiiraay party.
Over the past weeks, Sakho has repeatedly voiced his support for President Diomaye Faye’s policies, stressing the importance of institutional continuity and stability. His latest intervention underscores a widening rift within Senegal’s political landscape, as former allies reassess their allegiances in pursuit of a more cohesive governance framework.
