Ousmane Sonko clarifies religious reverence after Maimouna Dièye’s remarks

The leader of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, publicly corrected former minister Maimouna Dièye following comments she made during the official launch of the party’s membership card drive. The event took place this Saturday in Khombole.

Speaking before party activists, Maimouna Dièye had stated, “It is my pleasure today to be here, but above all, to speak in the presence of Seydina Ousmane Sonko Salalahou Aleyhi Wa Salam.” This particular phrasing immediately prompted a reaction from the Pastef leader.

Taking his turn at the podium, Ousmane Sonko made it clear he disapproved of this religious designation, emphasizing that it should never be associated with his person.

“The deep affection that people show me can, at times, lead some individuals to go too far. My sister Maimouna Dièye, speaking earlier, used my name and added ‘Salalahou Aleyhi Wa Salam.’ I must correct this,” he explained to the gathering.

The head of Pastef then reiterated that this specific invocation is reserved exclusively for Prophet Mohammed.

“This particular reverence, let us reserve it solely for Prophet Mohammed. For I have never reached that spiritual level, and I never will,” Ousmane Sonko asserted, met with applause from the many militants present.

This important clarification comes as the Pastef leader continues his national outreach focused on the party’s membership card sales campaign. Following his visit to Khombole, he is scheduled to appear in Bargny, Bambey, and Sébikhotane as part of this ongoing political mobilization effort.