Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The controversy over Ms. Aoua Bocar Ly Tall’s appointment to the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA) as a representative of “qualified personalities from the literary world” continues to simmer. Several Pastef activists and influencers have criticized this decision, arguing she has never been a genuine supporter of the “patriotic fight.” Far from a debate over merit or governance, the uproar seems to reveal a growing faction of hardliners bent on reminding President Bassirou Diomaye Faye that his authority has limits—even in his own party.

A press release by the “Collectif des sections communales de Pastef/Les Patriotes” strongly condemned the appointment, decrying the promotion of “adversaries and enemies of the Project,” as well as the inclusion of “circumstantial allies,” neglect of grassroots supporters, and the continued presence of former Apériste regime elements in decision-making bodies.

This implies unequivocally that in order to serve the state, one must belong to Pastef/Les Patriotes, the ruling party.

Such reasoning could endanger the continued existence of the state’s impartiality principle, which protects citizens’ equality.Because this presupposes that one must now join or be associated with the ruling party in order to serve the State.

Even prominent figures like Guy Marius Sagna and Amadou Ba weighed in, seemingly ignoring the decree’s stipulation that appointments are non-revocable and last for six years.

Some had hoped President Bassirou Diomaye Faye would appease his base after previous controversies, such as the appointment of Samba Ndiaye as Chairman of the SNHLM.

However, this latest decision underscores his unwillingness to bow to extremist demands, a stance reinforced by his pre-legislative election statement asserting his prerogative over appointments.

The Pastef hawks’ outrage highlights their selective indignation. Their discontent at Ms. Ly Tall’s appointment, ostensibly because she has not been a “real support in the patriotic fight,” exposes an obsession with gatekeeping political rewards.

Yet, their silence over the appointments of former allies of Macky Sall to key government positions betrays a hypocrisy that undermines their credibility.

They protest Ms. Ly Tall’s appointment while remaining silent on individuals like Lansana Gagny Sakho, Oumar Samba Ba, and Mary Teuw Niane—figures with deep ties to Macky Sall’s regime who now hold key roles under Pastef.

Even Mimi Touré, once a staunch Macky Sall ally, has been integrated with little resistance. This double standard suggests the real issue lies in power dynamics within Pastef.

By challenging Diomaye’s decisions, this inconsistency suggests that the hawks’ real issue is not governance or loyalty but power.

Their criticism of Diomaye’s decisions—particularly those that do not align with their interests—appears calculated to limit his authority. By publicly challenging his appointments, they are sending a clear message: the President of the Republic may hold the highest office, but his decisions must pass their litmus test.

The hawks’ boldness raises an uncomfortable question: Who among Pastef’s leadership is backing them? Their confidence in publicly defying Diomaye suggests that they believe they have powerful allies within the party’s upper echelons. Could it be that another influential figure in Pastef is reminding Diomaye’s presidency as temporary, positioning himself for a post-Diomaye era?

The Pastef hardliners may think they are fighting for the soul of the party, but in reality, they are jeopardizing its future. Their fixation on ideological purity and loyalty tests could alienate the broader electorate, turning Pastef into a factionalized entity incapable of delivering on its promises.

If Diomaye is to succeed as president, he must confront this faction head-on. Appeasement is not an option; it would only embolden the hawks and further erode his authority. Instead, he must reaffirm his commitment to governing for all Senegalese, not just the whims of a vocal minority.

The hawks of Pastef must ask themselves a crucial question: Is their ultimate goal to strengthen the party and the nation, or is it to have the last word over the presidency? Their current trajectory suggests the latter, a path that could leave both Pastef and Senegal paying the price.