Gambiaj;com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of leveraging the ongoing conflict in Gaza to secure his political survival and avoid facing his country’s judicial system. Sonko made these remarks during a large demonstration held on the esplanade of Dakar’s Grande Mosque, organized by the National Alliance for the Palestinian Cause.
The gathering attracted thousands of attendees, who waved Palestinian flags and wore “Free Palestine” t-shirts in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Speaking to the crowd, Prime Minister Sonko, draped in a scarf bearing the colors of the Palestinian flag, condemned what he described as “barbaric” actions by Israel, actions he believes are tacitly endorsed by certain Western nations. He called for the international community to politically isolate Israel as a means to halt its ongoing operations in Gaza.
“We must gather all those who denounce this injustice and work for a political solution, which is the isolation of Israel,” Sonko declared. He further emphasized the need to distinguish between religious and political aspects in this fight, urging the formation of powerful blocs to stand against what he described as a world of double standards.
Under the leadership of President Diomaye Faye, Sonko announced that Senegal’s new regime is committed to going beyond mere declarations and United Nations initiatives. The Prime Minister affirmed that Senegal will stand alongside Palestinians in their struggle, continuing the country’s longstanding commitment as chair of the Committee for the Defense of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian Peoples—a role Senegal has held since 1975.
Sonko also highlighted the bold actions of South Africa and several Latin American nations, which have severed diplomatic ties with Israel and condemned its actions as crimes against humanity. He urged for a unified political approach to the Palestinian cause, asserting that power dynamics and strategic alliances are now the key to effective global action.
The demonstration also featured a call from Moustapha Ségnane, coordinator of the National Alliance for the Palestinian Cause, who urged all Senegalese, regardless of faith, to unite in support of Palestinian freedom. Nasser Jaddalah, the Palestinian ambassador to Dakar, praised the Senegalese people’s unwavering support, particularly in light of the Gaza blockade and the international community’s perceived silence. Jaddalah also noted the significance of Prime Minister Sonko’s attendance, marking it as an unprecedented gesture in Senegal’s history.
This event underscores Senegal’s evolving stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Prime Minister Sonko positioning the country as a more active participant in global efforts to address the issue.
