Lansana Gagny Sakho accuses Ousmane Sonko of abandoning state institutions

After Senegal’s political transition, he turned down a high-profile water and sanitation ministry position, standing firm on his principles instead of pursuing personal gain.

Lansana Gagny Sakho, a prominent political figure who once supported Ousmane Sonko but now backs President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s Kiiraay party, has delivered a stinging critique of his former mentor. Speaking on national radio, the APIX board chairman revealed why he distanced himself from Sonko, while defending his own commitment to the country’s democratic institutions.

In candid remarks, he admitted joining Sonko’s movement years ago because of the people behind it. Following the change in government, he claims he was offered the top job in the water and sanitation sector but declined, prioritizing his values over political office. “I refused to trade my principles for a position,” he declared. “This decision made my exit easier. From the start, I chose the Republic over personal ambition.”

In stark contrast, Sakho accused Sonko of never truly embracing Senegal’s institutions. He pointed to public statements made while President Faye was abroad as particularly damaging, including remarks questioning the government’s authority—comments that allegedly put the head of state in an awkward position.

For the former Sonko ally, the true political path lies in strengthening institutions and improving governance. While acknowledging past challenges on all sides, he highlighted significant progress, especially in the justice sector.

Addressing recent shake-ups at the Ministry of Justice, Sakho recalled former minister Ousmane Diagne’s assertion that no one could influence him. He claimed the reshuffle aimed to install a more compliant official to sway magistrates. “That miscalculation ignored a fundamental truth: judges are not puppets,” he stated, emphasizing that real power dynamics differ from opposition perspectives.