The CEO of Le Témoin, Mamadou Oumar Ndiaye (MON), has shed light on some hidden details of the institutional crisis in Senegal that led to the postponement of the presidential election. In his article titled ‘What transition after April 2?’, MON reveals a power struggle within the ruling party between President Macky Sall and his supporters and the Prime Minister-candidate and their supporters.

The article’s section is titled ‘Cherchez la femme!’ (Look for the woman!) and focuses on the role of the spouses of the President and the Prime Minister. MON suggests that the crisis is rooted in the actions of these spouses. He mentions an incident where Billie Bâ, the Prime Minister’s partner, publicly supported her husband’s campaign with over 30,000 endorsements. This move was seen as crucial to the success of the Prime Minister’s campaign.

Marième Faye Sall, the president’s wife, reportedly became upset when she learned about Billie Bâ’s actions. She allegedly spearheaded a campaign to delay the presidential election, aiming to remove Amadou Bâ, the Prime Minister’s ally, from his position. This was seen as a way to assert her influence and prevent Billie Bâ from assuming the role of First Lady prematurely. Despite efforts by President Sall’s brother, Aliou, to intervene, Marième Faye’s campaign continued unabated.

MON compares this situation to a past incident involving former president Abdou Diouf’s late and powerful collaborator Jean Collin, whose fate was sealed when his wife, Marianne, humiliated a former first lady, Elisabeth Diouf. After the incident, Mrs. Diouf told her husband, Abdou, that he had to choose between her and Collin in the palace. This incident led to Collin’s dismissal despite his considerable power.”