The political friction between Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo and his predecessor, Ousmane Sonko, appears to be reaching a critical new stage. Mere hours after the Pastef leader’s press briefing in Touba—an event where he vociferously criticized government actions and declared his backing for a series of censure motions in the National Assembly—the head of government chose to issue a rebuttal via a message posted on the social media platform X.

Without explicitly naming Ousmane Sonko, Al Aminou Lo published a statement widely interpreted as a direct response to the former Prime Minister’s assertions. “To attempt to make patriotism the exclusive domain of a single faction is, precisely, to betray its true essence,” Lo declared. This sharp reaction came after remarks made by Ousmane Sonko following the inauguration of Pastef’s new headquarters in Touba. Addressing his party’s supporters, the former head of government claimed to have been apprised of statements allegedly made by Al Aminou Lo during a confidential meeting.

“Information I have received indicates that Al Aminou Lo reportedly stated in a private session that his priority is now enhancing the business climate. This signifies a commitment to meeting the expectations of Western investors and economic partners,” Ousmane Sonko asserted. The Pastef president characterized this governmental direction as a form of “sabotage” against the political philosophy he advocates. In the same breath, he announced plans to introduce multiple censure motions targeting the government led by Al Aminou Lo, aiming, he stated, to obstruct its ongoing initiatives and influence African current affairs.