A particularly tense atmosphere gripped the National Assembly as Deputy Abdou Mbow delivered his address. Speaking from the podium, the parliamentarian painted a grim picture of the nation’s state, declaring unequivocally that “there is a crisis in this country.”

During his intervention, Abdou Mbow specifically mentioned institutions like Customs and the DAF (Direction de l’Administration et des Finances), before condemning practices he believes pose a significant threat to public finances.

The deputy asserted that “when former Prime Ministers permit themselves to utilize funds designated for Casamance for political objectives, this nation is truly in peril.” These allegations, which he did not further substantiate, immediately prompted an intervention from the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko.

On multiple occasions, the President of the National Assembly urged Mbow to “remain on topic” as the deputy attempted to continue his line of argument.

Mbow then brought up a prior incident involving Guy Marius Sagna, suggesting that Sagna had also made remarks exceeding the scope of the subject under discussion during a previous intervention. “Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the president,” Mbow contended.

Ousmane Sonko once again interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his demand to adhere to the topic. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian persisted, arguing that Guy Marius Sagna had himself “strayed from the subject” without being prevented from developing his intervention.

“Therefore, I state clearly that, in this country, it is imperative that we understand we have a nation in danger,” Abdou Mbow emphatically declared.

As the deputy’s persistence grew, the confrontation escalated. Ousmane Sonko then issued a stern warning: “Stay on topic or you will leave the podium.” The President of the National Assembly added, “I do not wish for you to leave in the same manner as last time,” alluding to a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the chamber.

Abdou Mbow refused to back down, maintaining his stance on the management of public funds. “We cannot misappropriate our public funds, then come to the National Assembly seeking refuge. People will speak out,” he concluded.