Ousmane Sonko’s recent visit to Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal moment, offering him a significant platform to deliver powerful and scathing critiques. Following a launch event for membership card sales, the Pastef leader convened another gathering in “Ngacc.” There, he initiated his address by fiercely condemning certain political figures he accuses of pledging allegiance to the Head of State solely to secure high-ranking positions. In his view, these individuals are “jostling at the palace gates to become ministers of the Republic,” an attitude he deems fundamentally contrary to Pastef’s core principles.
He starkly contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not engage in theft, nor does he inflate market prices. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further underscored Pastef’s identity, stating: “It is pointless to possess all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling disclosure from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “Recently, money has been channeled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he asserted, clarifying that these significant sums were “not intended for politics” but rather to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the dynamics between the government and the religious city.
The crescendo of his speech arrived with a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributes to the Head of State, allegedly directed at general directors affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot serve as my general directors and simultaneously work for the election of a specific individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.” He emphasized that these executives “had professional careers and, for the most part, earned substantially more” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the President’s stance, suggesting that the latter should prioritize “other concerns” instead of expecting Pastef leaders to act as “messiahs.” He concluded with a stern caution regarding rampant appointments: “He will drive this country into ruin with these general directors he randomly appoints.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever in recent African news today.
He starkly contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not engage in theft, nor does he inflate market prices. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further underscored Pastef’s identity, stating: “It is pointless to possess all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling disclosure from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “Recently, money has been channeled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he asserted, clarifying that these significant sums were “not intended for politics” but rather to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly questioning the dynamics between the government and the religious city.
The crescendo of his speech arrived with a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributes to the Head of State, allegedly directed at general directors affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot serve as my general directors and simultaneously work for the election of a specific individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted: “If he wishes, he can dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.” He emphasized that these executives “had professional careers and, for the most part, earned substantially more” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the President’s stance, suggesting that the latter should prioritize “other concerns” instead of expecting Pastef leaders to act as “messiahs.” He concluded with a stern caution regarding rampant appointments: “He will drive this country into ruin with these general directors he randomly appoints.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, indicating that relations between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever in recent African news today.
