The Minister of Urban Planning, Local Governance, and Territorial Development, Moussa Bala Fofana, has broken his silence in a politically charged environment where PASTEF’s internal cohesion is being tested. His remarks follow growing debates about the loyalty of government officials retained in their positions.

In a public statement, the minister clarified his stance after Ousmane Sonko, the party’s president, raised concerns about certain executive members allegedly straying from the party’s political directions. Reaffirming his renewed mandate from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Fofana emphasized the importance of state continuity and expressed deep gratitude to the head of state.

Fofana highlighted that he had never worked with President Faye before the party’s rise to power but underscored the collaborative framework now in place to implement public policies. He also reflected on his past collaboration with Ousmane Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, describing him as a pivotal figure in the party’s foundational vision. Despite current disagreements, he stressed that personal and political relationships forged in that era remain intact.

Directly addressing claims attributed to Sonko in a June 2, 2026 statement, Fofana dismissed any interpretation suggesting a breach of commitment or partisan defiance. With clarity, he declared, “Yes, I have acted independently and in my personal capacity.” He clarified that his decision to remain in government was neither career-driven nor defiant but rooted in a personal interpretation of his public duties. He firmly denied any political pressure influencing his choice.

The minister framed his decision as a balance between partisan discipline and national responsibility. He explained that his priority was upholding the commitments made to citizens during the 2024 campaign. In his words, “Between partisan logic and my duty to the Nation, I chose to continue the mission entrusted to me.” This stance, he argued, aligns with a public service ethos where the greater good supersedes immediate political considerations.

Fofana also acknowledged the personal and political weight of his position, accepting that his choice may spark criticism within his former party circles. However, he maintained that popularity-seeking was not his goal. Instead, he championed administrative continuity and public policy implementation as critical priorities in the current context. Concluding with a broader perspective, he reflected that “Senegal is bigger than any one of us,” reaffirming his loyalty to what he termed “conscience and public service.”