Political tensions escalate as former PDS leader targets Pastef’s figurehead
The political landscape in Senegal remains charged with controversy as debates rage over constitutional reform and the shifting dynamics between ruling and opposition blocs. In a bold move this past Sunday, Modou Mbacké Bara Dolly, former parliamentary leader of the PDS, launched a direct attack against Ousmane Sonko, head of the Pastef movement.
During a fiercely critical address, Dolly did not mince words, branding Sonko as “the most skilled political manipulator in the nation’s current scene.” He criticized the Pastef leader for inconsistent messaging and persistent, unverified allegations against rivals.
Allegations tied to key political scandals
The former legislator took aim at several high-profile cases that have dominated Senegalese politics in recent years, including:
- The controversial Adji Sarr case,
- Unverified claims of 10 million F CFA payments to deputies,
- Rumors of a public fund totaling 1,000 billion F CFA.
Dolly dismissed these assertions as baseless, stating, “No deputies ever received the 10 million F CFA Sonko claimed—those accusations were fabricated.” He questioned the credibility of Sonko’s past statements, calling into serious doubt the evidence behind his public allegations.
Questioning the consistency of Ousmane Sonko’s political stance
The former PDS parliamentarian accused Sonko of abandoning his earlier principles, suggesting that the Pastef leader has strayed from his original anti-establishment rhetoric. According to Dolly, Sonko’s political discourse has shifted toward self-serving ambitions rather than the transformative agenda he once championed.
Lingering questions over past political alliances
Dolly also raised eyebrows by referencing behind-the-scenes discussions between Sonko and other political figures from previous eras. He alleged that negotiations had taken place regarding potential electoral alliances, including with Karim Wade in the context of presidential ambitions. Dolly further claimed that Sonko had resisted allowing other Pastef members to represent the party in elections.
Constitutional reform debate fuels deeper institutional concerns
As the debate over constitutional changes intensifies, Dolly emphasized that the issue transcends President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s personal influence. He framed the ongoing revisions as a fundamental threat to Senegal’s institutional stability, warning that some proposals aim to overhaul the very foundations of governance.
“This isn’t about Diomaye—it’s about the Constitution,” Dolly asserted, signaling his firm opposition to any changes that could undermine democratic norms.