Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed on Tuesday that a significant political understanding had been forged with President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye before the 2024 presidential election. Addressing journalists, the leader of Pastef elaborated on what he termed the « Cap Manuel protocol, » an arrangement he stated was designed to frame their political partnership.

According to Sonko, these crucial discussions took place while he was held at Cap Manuel prison. He recounted hosting Bassirou Diomaye Faye within his cell to deliberate on the political trajectory of their movement, especially amidst ongoing debates concerning a potential postponement of the presidential election.

« A Cap Manuel protocol genuinely transpired, » the former Prime Minister asserted. He detailed that, during this period, he firmly rejected any notion of delaying the ballot and reiterated his decision for Bassirou Diomaye Faye to represent their political faction in the presidential race.

« I informed him: I have chosen you, and if we are released, we will campaign vigorously, secure victory in the elections, and govern. By 2029, we will revert to the established order of affairs, » he declared.

To underscore the veracity of his statements, Ousmane Sonko solemnly swore that the events he described were indeed factual. « I swear before God and the Holy Quran, » he affirmed.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s commitment to reforms

Sonko further indicated that Bassirou Diomaye Faye embraced this political framework, envisioning his presidential term as a dedicated period for implementing profound structural reforms.

« He told me: this mandate will be dedicated to challenging reforms. I will shoulder them, and afterward, you will have a clear path ahead, » Ousmane Sonko recounted.

The Pastef leader also revealed an attempt to formalize this commitment by involving witnesses. He stated that he suggested bringing in other individuals to corroborate the discussion’s content, a proposition that was reportedly declined by his counterpart.

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye subsequently assured him that their mutual trust rendered such a precaution unnecessary. The former Prime Minister notably quoted the future head of state as saying he would reflect on his son, who shares his name, should he ever consider political betrayal.

Commitments for the 2029 presidential election

Furthermore, Ousmane Sonko indicated that the topic of the 2029 presidential election was broached during their meeting. He conveyed that he explained to Bassirou Diomaye Faye that the continuation of their political alliance would hinge upon the fulfillment of the commitments made.

« I told him that if he maintained this momentum, I would endorse his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would run myself, » he stated.

Still according to the Pastef leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s response was unequivocal. « He replied that he would serve as my campaign manager, » Sonko confirmed.

These recent revelations emerge amidst palpable tensions between the two former political allies. They reignite discussions surrounding the precise nature of the agreements and pledges that reportedly paved the way for the power transition in Senegal in 2024, brought about by their political tandem.