Heated national assembly debate: abdou mbow warns of ‘country in danger’ amid sonko’s interventions

A palpable tension filled the air within the National Assembly as Deputy Abdou Mbow took the floor. His address painted a stark picture of the nation’s state, declaring unequivocally, “There is a crisis in this country,” setting the stage for a contentious debate.

During his impassioned speech, Mbow highlighted critical issues concerning the Customs department (Douane) and the Directorate of Financial Affairs (DAF). He vehemently condemned practices that, in his view, gravely jeopardize the country’s public finances.

The deputy asserted that “when former Prime Ministers allow themselves to divert funds allocated for Casamance for political objectives, this nation faces peril.” These unsubstantiated allegations swiftly prompted the intervention of National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko.

President Sonko repeatedly interjected, urging Mbow to “remain on topic” as the deputy endeavored to continue his line of argument.

Mbow then brought up a prior incident involving Deputy Guy Marius Sagna, contending that Sagna had, during a previous session, also strayed beyond the designated subject matter. “Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the president,” Mbow insisted.

Ousmane Sonko once more interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his demand to stick to the theme. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian pressed on, arguing that Guy Marius Sagna had similarly “departed from the subject” without being prevented from completing his remarks.

“Therefore, I firmly state that, in this country, we must grasp that we have a nation in danger,” Abdou Mbow declared emphatically.

As the deputy’s persistence grew, the atmosphere intensified. Ousmane Sonko then issued a stern warning: “Stay on topic, or you will leave the podium.” The National Assembly President further added, “I do not wish for you to depart in the same manner as last time,” alluding to a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the chamber.

Abdou Mbow staunchly refused to yield, maintaining his stance on the management of public funds. “We cannot embezzle our public funds and then seek refuge in the National Assembly. People will speak out,” he concluded definitively.