Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed on Tuesday that a significant political pact was established with President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye before the 2024 presidential election. Addressing the media, the leader of Pastef elaborated on what he termed the “Cap Manuel protocol,” an understanding he asserts shaped their political partnership.

According to Sonko, these crucial discussions unfolded during his detention at Cap Manuel prison. He recounted receiving Bassirou Diomaye Faye in his cell to strategize the political trajectory of their movement, especially amidst intense debates surrounding a potential postponement of the presidential election.

“There truly was a Cap Manuel protocol,” the former Prime Minister declared emphatically. He detailed that, during these discussions, he rejected any notion of delaying the ballot and reaffirmed his decision for Bassirou Diomaye Faye to lead their faction in the presidential race.

“I told him: I have designated you, and if we are released, we will campaign, win the elections, and govern. In 2029, we will return to the normal course of affairs,” Sonko stated.

To lend weight to his assertions, Ousmane Sonko solemnly swore that his account of events was accurate. “I swear before God and the Holy Quran,” he affirmed.

bassirou diomaye faye embraces reform agenda

Sonko further revealed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye accepted this political framework, envisioning his mandate as a period dedicated to implementing structural reforms for Senegal.

“He told me: this term will be one of challenging reforms. I will shoulder them, and you will then have a clear path ahead of you,” Ousmane Sonko recounted.

The Pastef president also mentioned an attempt to formalize this commitment with witnesses. He claims to have proposed including other individuals in the discussion to attest to its contents, a suggestion his interlocutor reportedly declined.

Sonko stated that Bassirou Diomaye Faye assured him their bond of trust rendered such a precaution unnecessary. The former Prime Minister specifically recalled the future head of state telling him that if he ever considered betraying him politically, he would remember his son, who bears Sonko’s name.

future commitments for the 2029 presidential election

Ousmane Sonko also indicated that the topic of the 2029 presidential election was broached during their meeting. He conveyed to Bassirou Diomaye Faye that the continuation of their collaboration would hinge on the fulfillment of the commitments made.

“I told him that, if he continued in this dynamic, I would support his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would be a candidate myself,” Sonko declared.

Still according to the Pastef leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s response at the time was unequivocal. “He replied that he would serve as my campaign manager,” Sonko asserted.

These revelations emerge amid palpable tensions between the two erstwhile political allies. They reignite public discourse regarding the foundational agreements and pledges that preceded the ascent to power of the duo who championed political change in Senegal in 2024.