APR delegation challenges political detentions before Serigne Mountakha Mbacké in Touba

The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has amplified its voice after the apprehension and imprisonment of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Programme des domaines agricoles communautaires (Prodac) affair. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence des cadres républicains (CCR) traveled to Touba to meet with the Khalife général des Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to present their interpretation of the unfolding events.

This initial engagement marks the commencement of a planned series of visits to various religious families across Senegal. For APR officials, their comrade’s incarceration transcends mere judicial proceedings, instead forming part of what they characterize as a calculated political offensive targeting their party.

During their audience with the Khalife général des Mourides, the CCR representatives vehemently condemned what they perceive as an injustice and a process deliberately biased against Pape Malick Ndour. They maintain that Ndour is being held as part of a “political cabal” which they attribute directly to the current government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue articulated his political faction’s position. He stated: “We are in Touba today, where we have initiated a tour among Senegal’s religious families. We met with the Khalife général des Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we elucidated the full context surrounding the unjust arrest and imprisonment of our comrade, Minister Pape Malick Ndour.”

Claims of injustice and denial of responsibility

Republican officials contend that the charges brought against their coordinator lack a basis in his direct involvement with the management of Prodac. According to their explanation, the report from the Inspection générale des finances, central to this case, dates back to a period predating Pape Malick Ndour’s appointment as head of the program.

Bocar Diongue reiterated the timeline put forth by the APR: “It was in 2018 that the Inspection générale des finances produced a report concerning Prodac’s management. In reality, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour was not involved, either closely or remotely, in any aspect of Prodac’s management during that period. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour was appointed to the position of coordinator. This clearly indicates that the report does not concern him in any way. Despite this, he is now incarcerated based on a Prodac report.”

Within the APR, this matter is presented as another chapter in a series of legal actions targeting prominent figures from the previous administration. Republican cadres assert that several of their members have already faced judicial scrutiny, viewing these proceedings as politically motivated.

In line with this perspective, Bocar Diongue broadened his remarks beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s specific situation. He affirmed: “Yesterday, it was our comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were sent to prison without a shred of evidence. Among them are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are imprisoned is because they committed the ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance for the Republic.”

Accusations leveled against Ousmane Sonko

The delegation openly directed its accusations toward Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom republican officials hold responsible for these legal actions. Their spokesperson expressed this stance unequivocally. “It is Ousmane Sonko who is behind all these imprisonments, we declare it loudly and clearly. But he should know that the struggle will continue, whatever the cost,” Bocar Diongue asserted.

Following their visit to Touba, the CCR delegation proceeded to Thiénaba. There, APR officials were received by the Khalife général of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. According to delegation members, this encounter featured prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of unwavering support extended to the former minister.