«Il devait impérativement retrouver sa place…» Ismaila Wone, l’ex-député qui a rendu à Sonko son siège, raconte…
He was the one who had served as Ousmane Sonko's substitute in the National Assembly. When his political leader was ousted from his position as prime minister, Ismaila Wone found himself in the spotlight. Without fanfare, he relinquished the seat to his party leader, who then became president of the National Assembly. How did he experience this situation? Were there any prior discussions? The now former member of parliament shares his thoughts in this interview with Seneweb.
1 - What is your view on the latest events, first on the dismissal of Ousmane Sonko and his installation as head of the National Assembly?
I must say I am deeply shocked and disappointed by the turn of events. I never imagined that President Diomaye Faye could so completely abandon the spirit of the struggle that brought our project to power. Crossing this Rubicon, after so many sacrifices made by Ousmane Sonko, by the activists of Pastef, and by an entire people who have suffered, is a grave political mistake.
Young people fell, families were torn apart, and thousands of Senegalese fought bravely to end a predatory system. This fight was never waged to allow the return, through the back door, of those who opposed our project, insulted our beliefs, and tried to stifle popular hope.
Today, the president surrounds himself with precisely the figures of the system we have denounced for years. Let there be no mistake: you cannot build a break with the architects of the status quo. You cannot change a country with those who have plundered and weakened it.
But opportunists and predators must understand one thing: Ousmane Sonko hasn't left; he's repositioned himself. As head of the National Assembly, he will now occupy the institution responsible for overseeing government action and defending the interests of the people. Those who dreamed of resuming their old ways will now find themselves facing a solid and determined political bulwark. The Senegalese people remain vigilant. The fight for sovereignty, justice, and dignity will not end.
3 - You were the one who took over from Ousmane Sonko and you finally gave him back the seat: How did you experience all of this?
I experienced this with immense pride. Being the substitute for the man I consider my role model and mentor was the greatest honor of my political career. Today, being a part of Ousmane Sonko's return to the National Assembly, however small my contribution may be, is undoubtedly the most powerful and defining experience of my political life. Of all the members of Pastef, I consider myself one of the luckiest.
Had you discussed this beforehand?
We are members of an organized, disciplined party, resolutely committed to the success of this project. Each member understands the sacrifices this struggle demands and fully accepts their share of responsibility. For the project to triumph and for the popular will to be respected, President Ousmane Sonko absolutely had to reclaim his seat in parliament. This was a political, strategic, and historical necessity. Today, the essential goal has been achieved: everything has been done with determination and responsibility to ensure his election as president of the second-highest institution in the country. This is a victory for the project over political maneuvering, a victory for commitment over political calculations.
And what do Sonko's words about you make you feel?
When President Ousmane Sonko mentions my name at the podium of the National Assembly, it is not only a personal honor, it is the recognition of a political struggle waged with loyalty, courage and consistency.
Today, I feel immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility. Since this historic declaration, calls have poured in from everywhere, including from my colleagues at ECOWAS. But beyond my own humble self, President Ousmane Sonko paid tribute to all the activists in the Podor department, to all those who resisted, held firm, and defended the Project during the most difficult times. This recognition belongs to all of Pastef Podor. It rewards years of sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty in service of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Senegal.
But let's be clear: this show of confidence doesn't demobilize us; it strengthens our commitment. It compels us to reinforce our mobilization around our leader, to pursue the fight with even greater determination, and to stand firm for the complete success of the Project. In Podor, we will remain faithful to President Ousmane Sonko's vision and fully committed to standing alongside Pastef to bring about lasting change in Senegal.
Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, what does that inspire in you today?
This is much more than a satisfaction: it is the victory of a historic struggle against a system that has long seized control of institutions to the detriment of the people. The National Assembly is the heart of democratic oversight; it must be the bulwark against abuses, corruption, and the plundering of public resources.
Seeing Ousmane Sonko at the head of this institution is a choice of courage, change, and transparency. It sends a clear message to all those who have turned public finances into a hunting ground for plunder: the time of impunity is over. From now on, every transgression, every embezzlement, and every abuse will have to be held accountable before the Senegalese people.
What is your message to Professor Diomaye, who is currently the focus of anger for all of Pastef?
To President Diomaye, I simply ask that he regain his composure before it is too late. The Senegalese people have embraced a project of change, justice, and sovereignty; no one can stop this historic march.
The project transcends individuals and personal interests. If it deviates from popular aspirations, then Pastef's determined and committed grassroots supporters will forcefully and firmly reaffirm the course of change, as they have already done in the face of the old regime.
Senegal will not go back. The time for compromise and political maneuvering is over. The people want action, transparency, and governance that honors its commitments.
Your time at the National Assembly is now behind you. What will your next destination be?
My political future clearly lies in continuing the struggle in service of Pastef and my leader Ousmane Sonko. Our responsibility today is to further strengthen the party, to seriously prepare for our congress, and to ensure massive mobilization around the sale of membership cards.
We must relentlessly pursue our fieldwork, consolidate our foundations, and intensify our mobilization efforts throughout the Podor department. Our project is one of hope, change, and popular sovereignty. This commitment demands discipline, close ties with the people, and unwavering determination to ensure the triumph of the Senegalese people's aspirations.
Interview by Youssouf SANE
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