Ousmane sonko clarifies religious invocation for pastef official

Pastef leader, Ousmane Sonko, publicly addressed former minister Maimouna Dièye following remarks she made during the party’s membership card launch event, held this Saturday in Khombole.

While speaking to party activists, Maimouna Dièye stated, “I am pleased today to be here, but above all, to speak in the presence of Seydina Ousmane Sonko Salalahou Aleyhi Wa Salam.” This specific religious invocation immediately prompted a response from the Pastef leader.

Taking his turn at the podium, Ousmane Sonko expressed his disapproval of the religious reference, emphasizing that such an expression should never be associated with him personally.

“The affection that people show me can sometimes lead some individuals to go too far. My sister Maimouna Dièye, in her speech just now, mentioned my name and added ‘Salalahou Aleyhi Wa Salam’. I must speak out,” he declared to the assembled audience.

The head of Pastef then reiterated that this particular religious formula is reserved exclusively for Prophet Mohammed.

“Let us reserve this invocation for Prophet Mohammed. For I have never reached that level, and I never will,” Ousmane Sonko firmly stated, drawing applause from numerous militants.

This clear statement comes amidst the Pastef leader’s ongoing national tour, dedicated to promoting and selling party membership cards. Following the event in Khombole, Sonko is scheduled to visit Bargny, Bambey, and Sébikhotane as part of this political mobilization.