Ousmane Sonko’s recent engagements in Touba and Mbacké culminated in a series of potent political addresses, transforming his visit into a significant platform for scathing critiques. Following the launch event for the party’s membership card drive, the leader of Pastef convened another gathering in “Ngacc.” There, he initiated his discourse by vehemently criticizing certain political figures, whom he accused of pledging allegiance to the Head of State solely to secure positions of power. These individuals, he asserted, are “jostling at the palace gates to become ministers of the Republic,” a behavior he deemed fundamentally contrary to Pastef’s core tenets.
He starkly contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministers, declaring: “A Pastef minister does not engage in theft, nor does he inflate market contracts. Should his honor ever be compromised, he resigns.” Emphasizing their collective identity, he added: “There is no value in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling disclosure from the Pastef leader involved the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “In recent times, money has been funneled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he forcefully stated, clarifying that these resources were “not intended for politics” but rather served to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly touching upon the intricacies of the relationship between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of his address was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the Head of State, allegedly directed at general directors aligned with Pastef: “You cannot serve as my general directors and simultaneously work towards the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this perceived warning, Sonko retorted defiantly: “If he so desires, he can dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “were professionally established and, for the most part, earned substantially more” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The National Assembly leader further criticized the President’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than trying to mold Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe admonition regarding a perceived deluge of appointments: “He will plunge this country into chaos with these general directors he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rift, indicating that the relationship between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appears more strained than ever.
He starkly contrasted this perceived scramble for power with the ethical standards of his own ministers, declaring: “A Pastef minister does not engage in theft, nor does he inflate market contracts. Should his honor ever be compromised, he resigns.” Emphasizing their collective identity, he added: “There is no value in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”
Another startling disclosure from the Pastef leader involved the alleged transfer of misappropriated public funds to the holy city. “In recent times, money has been funneled into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he forcefully stated, clarifying that these resources were “not intended for politics” but rather served to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is poised to ignite a fierce controversy, implicitly touching upon the intricacies of the relationship between the government and the revered religious city.
The climax of his address was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the Head of State, allegedly directed at general directors aligned with Pastef: “You cannot serve as my general directors and simultaneously work towards the election of another individual in 2029.”
Denouncing this perceived warning, Sonko retorted defiantly: “If he so desires, he can dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “were professionally established and, for the most part, earned substantially more” prior to their appointments, suggesting their independence from these governmental roles.
The National Assembly leader further criticized the President’s stance, contending that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than trying to mold Pastef leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a severe admonition regarding a perceived deluge of appointments: “He will plunge this country into chaos with these general directors he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rift, indicating that the relationship between Sonko and Diomaye Faye appears more strained than ever.
Ousmane sonko’s touba and mbacké visit: bold claims on ‘stolen money’ and presidential tensions