Gambiaj.com – DAKAR, Senegal) – Former police commissioner Cheikhna Cheikh Saadbou Keita has openly criticized Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko, describing him as lacking intellectual and political capabilities. Speaking on the “Sunday Jury” program on June 9, Mr. Keita shared his blunt assessment of Sonko’s character and abilities.

“Aside from his hot and authoritarian temperament, which seeks to impose itself everywhere, there is nothing behind it. Sonko is neither an intellectual capacity nor a political artist. It’s a mess,” Mr. Keita remarked. He further added that Sonko’s only notable skill might be his work as a tax and property inspector.

Mr. Keita also recounted his early encounters with Sonko in 2016, highlighting their stark differences. “I was a very popular police commissioner. When I left the police, my popularity multiplied. Sonko saw me and started hanging out with me. He came to my house morning, noon, and evening. My whole family is a witness. He did everything to get me to join Pastef, but I said no because we had a simple relationship,” Mr. Keita revealed.

He emphasized that during their interactions, Sonko avoided engaging in direct discussions. “Ask Cheikh Tidiane Dièye who knows something about it. It was me who spoke when we were together. Sonko did not dare to share a table with me to speak,” he said.

Mr. Keita explained his silence about Sonko from 2016 to 2021, which he broke only after Sonko allegedly attacked Senegal and threatened its people. “When he attacked Senegal for years, threatened people, and defied everything, I felt I had no right to remain silent,” he stated.

Despite his criticisms, Mr. Keita clarified that he has no personal issues with Sonko. “It’s Senegal that opposes us,” he concluded.

This candid revelation from Mr. Keita adds another layer to the ongoing political discourse in Senegal, shedding light on the complexities and tensions within the political landscape.