Ousmane Sonko challenges president Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Touba
Ousmane Sonko challenges president Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Touba
During the recent ’48 Hours of Pastef’ event held in Touba, Ousmane Sonko delivered sharp criticism aimed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His remarks primarily focused on the contentious management of the presidential “black fund.” The prominent Pastef leader emphasized that his political movement operates independently of public finances, advocating instead for a funding model driven by member contributions.
The ’48 Hours of Pastef’ gathering in Touba provided the platform for Ousmane Sonko to once again challenge President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, highlighting ongoing disagreements concerning the administration of the presidential “black fund.” While explaining his party’s financial mechanisms, the Pastef leader underscored his conviction that their political organization does not utilize public funds to support its operations.
Addressing his supporters, Sonko declared, « Pastef n’est pas un parti qui puise dans les caisses de l’État pour financer ses programmes. Cela est haram chez nous. » This statement directly referenced the long-standing dispute between the two political figures over the presidential black fund’s handling. For weeks, Ousmane Sonko has been an outspoken critic of this fund, arguing that its existence contradicts the principles of transparency both he and Faye championed prior to assuming power.
In Touba, without explicitly naming the Head of State, Sonko implied that these financial resources could be strategically deployed to solidify a political base in anticipation of upcoming electoral contests. He reiterated Pastef’s commitment to relying exclusively on membership fees and militant contributions. The Pastef president also turned his attention to critics of his party’s successful membership card sales campaign, labeling certain political figures as « aigris » or resentful. He then delivered a potent message in Wolof: « s’il n’y a pas de mort, dina am blessé, » an evocative idiom suggesting that Pastef’s rising influence would not leave its political adversaries unscathed.