Ousmane Sonko exposes how the system reshaped itself in Senegal
Ousmane Sonko exposes how the system reshaped itself in Senegal
During a gathering in Dahra Djoloff, Ousmane Sonko delivered a sharp critique of what he describes as the reconfiguration of the old political system within the state apparatus. The National Assembly President accused former allies of betraying the people’s expectations after securing power.
From promises to betrayal: the heart of the matter
Speaking before an energized crowd of activists, Ousmane Sonko painted a stark picture of the shift he claims has occurred since the change in leadership. He emphasized that the betrayal wasn’t about individuals but about the abandonment of core principles laid out in the original project—transparency, accountability, fair justice, and resource management—which were meant to break away from past inefficiencies.
« It’s not about personalities, but about honoring our commitments and the values we vowed to uphold: transparency, good governance, accountability, fair justice administration, and renegotiating resources,» Sonko declared, underscoring the foundation of his movement’s vision.
The system’s silent resurgence
However, it was his remarks on the reorganization of the system that resonated most deeply with the audience. « Unfortunately, it’s the same system that has reorganized itself within the palace, betraying our project and slipping back into old habits,» he charged, pointing to a return to practices his camp had fought to dismantle.
According to Sonko, this shift is evident in the relationship with state institutions. « Today, Diomaye has built a party without any electoral base, yet he controls the institutions. In a democracy, there is only one sovereign: the people—not the institutions,» he argued, implying that a leadership lacking popular support may rely on state machinery to compensate for its deficit.
Judicial independence under threat
The speaker also raised concerns about alleged efforts to bring higher courts under political influence. He claimed maneuvers were underway to ensure the Supreme Court and Constitutional Council served the interests of those in power—an accusation he framed as concrete evidence of the system’s reorganization within the Presidential Palace, six years after the promised political shift.
Sonko’s address in Dahra Djoloff signals growing tensions within Senegal’s political landscape, as his party questions the direction of the current administration and its commitment to the transformative agenda that once united its supporters.
