Senegal political tensions: presidential advisor denies secret pact claims

Just 48 hours ahead of the highly anticipated PASTEF party congress, Minister-Counsellor to the Presidency Aldiouma Sow stepped forward to address the latest remarks made by Ousmane Sonko. In a firm rebuttal, Sow defended President Bassirou Diomaye Faye against allegations of a supposed “secret agreement” allegedly forged during the former’s detention at Cap Manuel.

Aldiouma Sow categorically dismissed the claims, asserting that the Head of State has never engaged in any clandestine arrangements while in custody. He emphasized that Bassirou Diomaye Faye maintained unwavering loyalty to his political convictions throughout the 2024 transition process, rejecting any notion of compromise on core principles.

The presidential advisor went further, denying any implication of the President in efforts to undermine Senegal’s democratic process. « He has never participated in any scheme to distort the sovereign right of the Senegalese people to freely choose their leader, » Sow declared.

Sow also highlighted the President’s commitment to political dialogue, framing it not as a temporary bargaining tool but as a cornerstone of governance. According to him, Bassirou Diomaye Faye views dialogue as an intrinsic value guiding both policy and institutional decisions, rather than a tactical maneuver to manipulate power dynamics.

As the PASTEF prepares for its pivotal congress, these remarks have reignited discussions about the relationship between the country’s top leadership figures and the future direction of the administration. The timing of Sow’s intervention underscores the sensitivity of the moment, with internal party discussions intensifying ahead of the event.