« Ça vaut le risque » : L'analyse sans concession d’Alioune Tine sur le divorce Diomaye-Sonko
The dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday, May 22, 2026, has sparked heated debate. This historic break between the two leading figures of the government, occurring after just over two years in office, ushers in a period of significant institutional uncertainty. It is in this context that Alioune Tine, a prominent figure in civil society and founder of Afrikajom Center, took to social media to offer a somber analysis, calling on political actors to act responsibly and set aside their egos.
For the human rights advocate, the action taken by the head of state stems from a painful but necessary compromise dictated by the demands of the presidential office. "Nothing could be more difficult for President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye than drafting the decree that 'performs' and formalizes the severance of ties with his 'friend,' his 'mentor,' his political leader, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko," Alioune Tine emphasizes from the outset. However, according to him, faced with internal tensions, the interests of the state prevailed: "Of all the political, friendly, and familial ties with strong symbolic connotations, the one deemed dominant is the institutional link, its paramount importance for the stability and governability of the country. It's worth the risk."
The founder of Afrikajom Center makes no secret of the magnitude of the perils facing the executive branch, given that Soweto Square is firmly in the hands of the former Prime Minister. "This measure is not without risks: PM Sonko remains popular, holds a strong majority in the National Assembly, and is apparently widely supported by the party leadership and unconditional activists," he analyzes, while also expressing concern about the first signs of political turmoil. "Threats of political and parliamentary 'guerrilla warfare' are being brandished, starting with accusations of treason. This is not good in the current context, especially given the economic and social vulnerability, and even worse, the political and institutional vulnerability. It is at this moment that fighting the government and engaging in subversion is easy and inexpensive."
Putting the "Project" to the test of reality
Faced with the crisis, Alioune Tine believes that the current situation demands a national unity similar to that seen during the 2020 health crisis. "These times call for courage, clear-sightedness, and responsibility from all citizens, and particularly from political leaders, regardless of their affiliations or political leanings. Egos and partisanship must be set aside, and we must recognize that Senegal, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, needs unity and solidarity to overcome the numerous and complex challenges that many citizens are experiencing, marked by suffering, anxiety, and fear for the future."
Addressing the ideological framework of the ruling party, often brandished by activists as an immutable compass, the analyst calls for rigorous pragmatism: "The 'project' is often brought up. We must face the fact that the project is not reality. The 'project' must evolve and adapt to reality. Otherwise, it's a dead end."
Despite the extreme tension, Alioune Tine commends the initial reactions of the PASTEF leadership, which is striving to contain the emotions of its base to prevent the collapse of the state apparatus. "We should be pleased with PASTEF's clear-headedness in attempting to calm the emotions of activists who, swayed by the ripple effect, were beginning to resign on social media. It's a good reaction. Crises and failures allow us to learn, to see our weaknesses, and to correct them with humility."
For the founder of Afrikajom Center, this political trauma must paradoxically be transformed into an opportunity for rebuilding. "This climate is conducive to dialogue, rebuilding ties, and finding sound political compromises together, as well as the means to monitor their implementation. Our country needs calm, balance, and political clarity today to move forward," he concludes.
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