Relations entre le Pr Diomaye et son Pm Ousmane Sonko : Quand l’analyse politique devient partisane au Sénégal (Par Ahmadou Meissa Faye, Moncap)
For some time now, a narrative has been dominating the public debate, almost as if it were self-evident: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has supposedly become an obstacle, while his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, alone embodies loyalty to the political project. But who among us truly knows the nature of their disagreements? What will our judgments and our image be worth if, tomorrow, events prove us wrong? Shouldn't we, therefore, demonstrate restraint, responsibility, and clear-sightedness?
It is important to recall certain historical truths, often oversimplified. It is often emphasized that Sonko appointed Diomaye out of loyalty. This is true. But it is often forgotten that Bassirou Diomaye Faye also contributed to Ousmane Sonko's appointment as secretary general when the party was founded in 2014. Political history should not be rewritten according to the interests of the moment or the emotions of the present. Let us simply give credit where credit is due when the opportunity arises. Because, in this story, loyalty has never been a one-way street.
At the beginning of his term, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye adopted a stance of openness and institutional balance, reflecting a truly broad vision. In this spirit, he chose to grant the Prime Minister considerable visibility and significant autonomy in leading government action. This positioning reflected both a firm commitment to trust and a sincere desire to govern together, in a spirit of complementarity.
The first signs of tension gradually appeared in the public sphere, like barely perceptible cracks, following the appointment of Mr. Samba Ndiaye. Even though this decision fell exclusively within the prerogatives of the President of the Republic, it clearly did not meet with unanimous approval from certain members of the PASTEF party, as evidenced by several public, sometimes critical, statements. This climate therefore raised a question: why had such attitudes elicited no reaction from the self-proclaimed defenders of truth and loyalty?
Some applauded, while others remained silent, when the Prime Minister publicly stated that the President "lacks authority," in front of cameras and national and international audiences. Such remarks cannot be dismissed as a mere political disagreement, as they touch upon respect for institutions and official functions. In a democracy like Senegal, such a situation would have called for clear and responsible responses from both the opposition and the government, as well as from civil society, journalists, and activists.
This episode, which some have deliberately ignored, illustrates a worrying phenomenon in Senegalese public debate: a selective reading of the facts. Some commentators, activists, journalists, and campaigners downplay or ignore the actions and positions of the President of the Republic. Conversely, they endorse and justify almost all of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's pronouncements. This imbalance undermines the quality of democratic debate on political choices.
Let's take a concrete example: the recent resolution of the Ndingler case . To the great surprise of many, this issue has received virtually no in-depth analysis or political debate, whether on certain online platforms aligned with the Pastef movement or within its inner circle. Yet, the day President Bassirou Diomaye Faye decorated Mr. Babacar Ngom at the Presidential Palace, a wave of criticism immediately descended upon him. Where is the consistency and good faith? Why not acknowledge, behind this act, the President's leadership and Mr. Babacar Ngom's patriotism?
It is important to recognize, objectively and without undue emotion, just as the President of the Republic has, that Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Secretary General of the PASTEF party, plays a central and decisive role in guiding government action. Through his commitment, he is driving a strong momentum toward the country's economic recovery, increased transparency in the management of public funds, the assertion of national sovereignty, and the reform of public policies. He also bears a significant responsibility for implementing the political project and the electoral promises that underpin the people's hopes.
However, in a state, effectiveness does not rely solely on individual action, however decisive it may be, but on institutional harmony, the coherence of public action and the responsible contribution of all political forces.
At the general assembly of the Diomaye President coalition, the Head of State delivered a speech promoting appeasement and unity. He reiterated a simple yet essential truth: political history cannot be erased, and he remains a member of the Pastef political family. Furthermore, he emphasized that all components of this coalition deserve respect and are composed, just like Pastef itself, of men and women of worth.
While it remains legitimate to criticize the President for surrounding himself with certain figures from the old regime, Pastef must accept that governing a state is not the same as leading a party or waging a political battle. Exercising power requires choices that are sometimes complex, often imperfect, but always framed by the imperatives of stability.
Let us also not forget that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye himself publicly encouraged his Prime Minister to covet his presidential seat with a view to succeeding him when the time comes, but in the proper form and with respect for institutional time.
This unease at the top could have been avoided, or at least mitigated, if certain actors, internal or external to the project, had not invaded television studios, the hemicycle and social networks to amplify this discord without restraint, often through excessive belonging, militant reflex or blind unconditional support.
The truth is simple: Senegal has nothing to gain from a leadership struggle at the highest levels of government. On the contrary, it loses stability, credibility, and effectiveness. When brothers have disagreements, wise leaders must encourage calm dialogue, using language of truth and responsibility, and refuse to listen to those who sow discord.
Neither the President nor the Prime Minister should be above criticism, provided it is objective. The President must not turn his back on his political family; he must govern by relying on its base, while remaining open to the other vital forces of the nation. The Prime Minister, ministers, members of parliament, directors general, and party members, for their part, must accept that the President remains the supreme leader of the nation, embodying the State with responsibility, dignity, and in strict respect for the institutions.
The people legitimately elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to lead Senegal. Today, more than ever, the country needs unity, particularly between the President and his Prime Minister. But this momentum cannot succeed without everyone's commitment. The people must also get to work. Because, beyond debates and positions, the progress of the country must remain the absolute priority.
In the best interests of the Nation, let us pray for the success of the duo and support their action with responsibility and vigilance, so that the electoral promises, particularly in matters of sovereignty, employability and financial and food self-sufficiency, are quickly realized in service of the people.
This article aims to be a free, responsible, and constructive contribution to public debate and political reflection. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and in no way represent the views of the PASTEF party or the Diomaye President coalition.
To the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye , guarantor of the institutions of the Republic and of national unity,
To the Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, Secretary General of the PASTEF party, a major player in the transformation dynamic,
Good point.
Ahmadou Meissa FAYE
Member of MONCAP
Digital Commission Regulatory Framework Subcommittee
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