Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In recent years, Ousmane Sonko’s politics have been characterized by a powerful statement: “My fight is not against men, but against the system.” This slogan, “Change the system,” resonated deeply with the public and was instrumental in bringing Pastef to power.
However, just two and a half months after the appointment of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, it has become clear that dismantling this entrenched system is a more formidable challenge than anticipated.
Despite the change in government and the appointment of key “Pastefiens” to significant positions, the underlying system remains largely unchanged.
Guy Marius Sagna, a prominent parliamentarian, acknowledges this reality. In an interview with Jeune Afrique regarding the arrest of journalists involved in the General Kandé affair, Sagna highlighted the persistence of the system. This is particularly poignant given Pastef’s long-standing opposition to such practices during their years out of power.
“We campaigned for a decade around a leitmotif aimed at changing the system. But the system in question is still there. We have changed the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister; the ministers and directors of certain administrations or public companies have also changed. But this should not mean that the system is reduced to this. This system is still there. Within the courts, the same prosecutors who sent me to prison six times under the reign of Macky Sall are still sitting,” Sagna stated.
Despite these challenges, Sagna emphasized that efforts are underway to reform the justice system. He pointed to the recently held National Conference for reformed and modernized justice as a significant step forward. The laws resulting from these meetings, once ratified, could lead to meaningful changes.
“Pastef’s ‘Project’ particularly aims to ensure that full freedom of the press is respected. We will be uncompromising on this point, it being understood that this freedom must be exercised responsibly,” added Sagna.
The struggle to chan**e the system continues, with leaders like Ousmane Sonko and Guy Marius Sagna remaining committed to their vision of a reformed and just society.
