In a candid interview, Minister Yankhoba Diémé addressed the escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He condemned what he described as a deliberate strategy of “self-victimization” orchestrated by Sonko, warning that such tactics risk distorting public perception and undermining the government’s credibility.

Diémé argued that Sonko’s persistent narrative of victimhood not only misrepresents reality but also seeks to manipulate public opinion against the president. “When narcissism and repeated misconduct become the norm, the line between victim and perpetrator blurs dangerously,” he stated, emphasizing that Sonko’s approach could have severe consequences for Senegal’s political stability.

Indemnification delays: minister clears president of blame

Addressing concerns over delays in indemnifying former detainees, Diémé firmly rejected allegations linking the issue to President Faye. “It has been falsely suggested that the president is responsible for the delays in payments. That is simply not true,” he asserted. According to Diémé, the president had already instructed the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Family Affairs during a cabinet meeting to resolve the matter promptly.

The minister also criticized the framing of Ousmane Sonko’s salary donation to victims. While Sonko’s gesture was widely publicized, Diémé pointed out that the state bears the ultimate responsibility for addressing the needs of those affected. “Charitable acts should not overshadow the state’s duty to provide justice and compensation,” he noted.

Prime minister’s political funds under scrutiny

Diémé raised eyebrows over revelations about the funds available to the Prime Minister’s office. “It was only in the National Assembly that we learned the Prime Minister had access to 1.77 billion CFA francs in political funds,” he revealed. Through financial simulations, he demonstrated how such resources could have been deployed to expedite the indemnification process for victims.

Constitutional reform: a case of parliamentary misconduct

Turning to Senegal’s recent constitutional reforms, Diémé accused certain political actors of distorting the spirit of dialogue championed by President Faye. “The president called for open dialogue, but what we witnessed was a blatant act of parliamentary misconduct,” he charged, suggesting that the reforms had been manipulated to serve narrow interests.

Macky Sall’s return: president acts within legal bounds

Regarding former President Macky Sall’s presence in Senegal, Diémé defended President Faye’s decision to allow his predecessor to move freely with state protection. “The president is acting strictly within his constitutional role,” he explained. Macky Sall is not facing any charges or legal proceedings, and Senegalese law imposes strict conditions on pursuing former heads of state.

Diémé cautioned against unfounded accusations and political grandstanding, stating, “Only members of parliament can initiate high treason proceedings. Spreading baseless claims and then positioning oneself as a hero is not only irresponsible but also undermines national cohesion.”

He concluded that if Macky Sall were to clarify certain issues publicly, there would be no legal obstacle preventing President Faye from engaging with him in accordance with republican principles.