In a candid interview, Yankhoba Diémé, Minister of Communication, spoke out against what he described as a deliberate campaign of victimization orchestrated by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The minister accused Sonko of attempting to manipulate public sentiment to portray himself as a victim, thereby diverting attention from pressing national issues.
Diémé went further, warning that such tactics risk turning the narrative on its head: “When egotism and questionable conduct accumulate, the victim becomes the oppressor in the eyes of the public.”
Indemnification delays: minister clears President Faye
Addressing concerns over the delayed payments to former detainees, Diémé dismissed claims linking the delays to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He insisted that the President had issued explicit directives during a council meeting, instructing both the Prime Minister and the Family Affairs Minister to prioritize the process.
The minister also challenged the narrative surrounding Ousmane Sonko’s alleged salary donation. While Sonko’s gesture was widely publicized, Diémé argued that it should not overshadow the government’s broader responsibility to address the needs of victims and affected families.
Misuse of public funds under scrutiny
Highlighting another contentious issue, Diémé revealed that the Prime Minister’s office had access to a substantial political fund totaling 1.77 billion CFA francs. He questioned why these resources were not utilized to expedite indemnification payments, presenting financial simulations to underscore his argument.
Constitutional reform: a parliamentary trick?
The minister didn’t stop there. He strongly criticized the handling of the recent constitutional reform, accusing certain political figures of distorting its original intent. “The President called for inclusive dialogue, but what unfolded was nothing short of parliamentary deception,” he declared.
Macky Sall’s presence in Senegal: a matter of legality
When asked about former President Macky Sall’s freedom of movement in Senegal, Diémé stood firmly behind President Faye’s decisions. He clarified that the current administration was acting strictly within the bounds of the law, emphasizing that Sall had not been charged or subjected to any judicial proceedings.
“The Senegalese legal framework strictly regulates any actions against former presidents. It is the National Assembly that holds the exclusive power to initiate high treason proceedings—no one can make baseless accusations and then claim heroism,” he stated.
The minister concluded by suggesting that if Macky Sall provided further clarifications on unresolved matters, a meeting with President Faye would be entirely appropriate under republican principles.
