Senegal assembly: Maïmouna Sène criticises Sonko’s judicial moves

Former National Assembly member Maïmouna Sène, a leading figure in the Alliance Pour la République (APR), has sharply criticised Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko over what she describes as misguided judicial theatrics distracting from the country’s pressing economic needs. Speaking from the floor of the National Assembly, Sène argued that the government’s focus on high-profile legal proceedings is masking deeper systemic failures.

The APR leader pointed out that while accountability is essential, it should not be weaponised as a political tool to divert attention from stalled economic recovery. With inflation rising and unemployment persisting, she stressed that citizens are far more concerned with tangible progress than with what she termed a “witch hunt” against opponents. “The Senegalese people entrusted you with leadership to address inflation, create jobs, and revitalise the economy—not to wage political vendettas,” Sène asserted.

In a bold rebuke, she urged the Prime Minister to turn scrutiny inward first, demanding concrete reforms within his own ranks before targeting rivals. Her remarks underscore a growing divide within Senegal’s political landscape as the government navigates economic challenges amid heightened legal and political tensions.