Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to strengthen his political alignment with their party, Pastef Les Patriotes, and to be wary of figures within the governing coalition whom he accused of seeking to dilute or reshape the ruling bloc away from Pastef’s ideological foundations.
Speaking at what he described as a “téra meeting rally” with party supporters, Sonko said the coalition that brought the new government to power must remain structured around Pastef as the leading force, warning that certain allies were working to distance President Faye from his political “family.”
Call for President Diomaye to Re-engage the Party
About the rumors suggesting possible tensions between him and the Senegalese head of state, Sonko reiterated that his political relationship with President Faye is longstanding and built on mutual trust despite ideological or strategic differences that may arise.
“Some people think that my relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will deteriorate. In any case, anything can happen in life. But when I chose Diomaye to replace me as a presidential candidate, I knew we would have differences. When he made me prime minister, he also knew. But that has never stopped us from moving forward together,” he said.
He insisted that the President does not need what he called “adventurers of the 25th hour” to govern and encouraged him to draw directly from the Pastef base.
“We ask the President to get closer to his party, Pastef, and rely on it for the support he needs to govern,” Sonko declared.
“We have good allies, but there are others who are working to break the coalition,” Sonko said. “Pastef will not leave this coalition, but we cannot allow individuals who came from nowhere to try to structure a coalition around President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The coalition must be built around Pastef’s vision.”
He stressed that attempts to create artificial tensions between him and the president were deliberate political maneuvers.
“Those trying to manipulate and divide Sonko and Diomaye will be removed,” he said, adding that the coalition’s restructuring was already under the coordination of party figure Aida Mbodj.
Claims of Judicial Bias Against Pastef Supporters
The prime minister further accused elements within the judiciary of applying the law selectively in political disputes.
“Today, the justice system is against us. They wait until people insult Sonko and do nothing. But when our militants respond, they arrest them,” he said, arguing that the intention is to prevent Pastef supporters from defending him publicly.
Sonko reminded his followers that Pastef is not a party of abusive rhetoric, calling for improved political education and communication centered on government achievements.
Warning to Pastef Officials: “If You Steal, You Will Go to Prison”
Sonko also issued a stern caution to Pastef members in public office, stating that holding power does not entitle anyone to personal enrichment.
“Some of our officials tell me that since we are in power, we must have money. I always respond that Senegalese did not elect us for money,” he said.
“If you are a Pastef member in government and you divert public funds to distribute to militants, you will go to prison,” he warned.
He emphasized that party loyalty must come from financial contributions and political engagement, not the misuse of state resources.
Sonko concluded by urging supporters to register to vote ahead of upcoming local and municipal elections, framing the contest as crucial to consolidating the party’s power at national and community levels.
