Dakar — Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef movement, has made explosive claims about a secret political agreement struck with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before the 2024 presidential election. Speaking under oath with a Quran in hand, Sonko described a behind-the-scenes deal that he claims shaped the future of their political alliance.

The revelation centers on what Sonko refers to as the « Cap Manuel Protocol » — a term referencing the detention facility where he was held during critical pre-election negotiations. According to Sonko, the agreement was finalized in his prison cell, where he met with Bassirou Diomaye Faye to outline a strategic roadmap for their movement.

From detention to destiny: the making of a political pact

Sonko alleges that the discussions took place amid intense national debate over a potential postponement of the presidential vote. He claims he firmly rejected the idea of delaying the election and instead endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the movement’s candidate.

« I told him: I have chosen you. Once we are free, we will campaign, win, and govern. By 2029, I will step back and let you continue, » Sonko recounted, emphasizing the mutual commitment underpinning their pact.

He went further, invoking divine oaths to validate the legitimacy of the agreement: « I swear before God and the Quran that this protocol is real. »

Reforms, trust, and the unspoken bargain

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye accepted the proposed framework, framing his presidency as a transitional phase focused on structural reforms. Sonko quoted Faye as saying: « This mandate will be one of difficult reforms. I will take responsibility for them so you can have a clear path ahead. »

Sonko also claimed that he proposed involving witnesses to formalize the agreement, but Faye dismissed the idea, insisting their bond of trust made such precautions unnecessary. Sonko shared Faye’s alleged reassurance: « I will think of your son — who carries my name — if I ever betray you in politics. »

2029 and beyond: the unfulfilled clause

The conversation, Sonko insists, extended to the 2029 presidential election. He stated that he had told Faye that as long as the current agreement was honored, he would support Faye’s candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, he would run himself.

Sonko claims Faye responded unambiguously: « He said he would be my campaign manager, » signaling a clear expectation of continuity in their political partnership.

The revelations come at a time of escalating tensions between the two former allies, reigniting scrutiny over the pre-election dynamics that led to Senegal’s historic political shift in 2024. Sonko’s sworn testimony adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative of collaboration and power transition in West Africa’s most stable democracy.