Ousmane sonko’s touba visit ignites political firestorm with corruption claims and presidential challenge

Ousmane Sonko’s recent tour through Touba and Mbacké proved to be a pivotal moment, transforming into a potent political platform where he delivered a series of striking indictments. Following the launch rally for the party card sales initiative, the Pastef leader convened another significant gathering in Ngacc. There, he opened his address with a scathing critique of certain political figures, accusing them of pledging allegiance to the Head of State solely to secure ministerial appointments. He contended that these individuals were “scrambling at the palace gates to become ministers of the Republic,” an approach he deemed fundamentally at odds with Pastef’s core principles.

Contrasting this perceived frenzy, Sonko highlighted the ethical standards of his own ministers: “A Pastef minister does not steal, nor does he inflate market prices. If his honor is compromised, he resigns.” He further reinforced the party’s identity, adding, “There is no point in possessing all material wealth if one must bow down when passing before others. We are people of principle.”

A truly shocking revelation from the Pastef leader concerned the alleged diversion of public funds into the holy city. “Recently, money was poured into Touba. This is the nation’s money, and it is stolen money,” he emphatically declared. He specified that this windfall was “not intended for politics,” but rather to fulfill “political demands.” This pronouncement is expected to trigger a fierce controversy, indirectly impacting the sensitive relationship between the government and the revered religious city, marking a significant moment in African current affairs.

The apex of his speech was a direct challenge aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Ousmane Sonko recounted remarks he attributed to the Head of State, allegedly made to general directors affiliated with Pastef: “You cannot be my general directors and simultaneously work for the election of a person in 2029.”

Denouncing this warning, Sonko retorted, “If he wishes, let him dismiss all Pastef general directors by Wednesday.” He underscored that these executives “had professions and earned considerably more, for most of them,” prior to their appointments, suggesting they are not reliant on these positions for their livelihoods.

The leader of the National Assembly also criticized the President’s stance, arguing that President Faye should be preoccupied with “other concerns” rather than turning Pastef’s leaders into “messiahs.” He concluded with a stern warning regarding the rapid succession of appointments, stating, “He will sink this country with these general directors he haphazardly recruits.” This declaration signals a clear and public rupture, as tensions between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye appear more strained than ever, shaping English Africa news headlines.