Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – The controversy surrounding General Souleymane Kandé’s reassignment and the allegations of a coup plot leveled against him by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have finally been put to rest. After months of uncertainty and behind-the-scenes negotiations, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has confirmed General Kandé’s redeployment as Senegal’s military attaché in India.

The prolonged delay in enforcing the decision was due to a reconsideration at the highest levels of government. According to sources, President Faye had, at one point, contemplated reversing the appointment, but recent developments have led to the confirmation of the decree. The general has now been urged to take up his post within the next month.

The controversy began when Sonko publicly accused General Kandé of plotting a coup, a claim that significantly damaged the general’s reputation. The allegations, which were the basis for Kandé’s removal from his position, triggered strong reactions within the military ranks, with reports suggesting that the general and some of his associates had considered legally contesting the decision. It goes without saying that not everyone was happy with General Kandé’s accomplishments in Casamance, where each of his successors failed to quell the MFDC rebellion. We are aware that he had friends outside of the military institution.

Faced with the coup accusations, General Kandé took immediate steps to defend his honor. He formally addressed his concerns to President Faye through two channels: the military hierarchy and a direct letter. In his correspondence, he categorically denied Sonko’s claims and demanded an official investigation. However, bureaucratic delays stalled progress on the matter, prompting Kandé to ensure that the president personally received his complaint.

Upon receiving the letter, President Faye took a measured approach. Instead of rushing to a decision, he forwarded Kandé’s concerns to Prime Minister Sonko, urging a direct engagement between the two men. A pivotal meeting was arranged at the Petit Palais, where Sonko and Kandé spoke privately for two hours. During the discussion, Kandé presented detailed evidence refuting the allegations against him, effectively countering the accusations that had led to his dismissal.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, President Faye took the necessary time to mediate between the prime minister and the general before reaching a resolution. In the end, it was decided that Kandé’s assignment would be upheld, maintaining institutional credibility within the armed forces while also putting an end to months of speculation.

Interestingly, this was not the first time General Kandé had faced such accusations. During former President Macky Sall’s tenure, similar claims of a coup plot had surfaced against him. However, a formal investigation cleared Kandé, and instead of being punished, he was promoted. This recurring pattern suggests that internal power struggles within Senegal’s military and political landscape may have played a role in the allegations.

By handling the matter with caution, President Faye ensured a delicate balance between preserving national security, upholding military discipline, and addressing concerns raised by his prime minister. With Kandé now set to assume his role in New Delhi, the matter appears to be settled—at least for now.