Aldiouma Sow clarifies Cap Manuel pact rumors and defends President Faye’s dialogue

Aldiouma Sow, a prominent member of the National Political Bureau of Pastef, has stepped forward to support party officials who have embraced President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s call for cooperation. This move comes amid a visible divide between the Head of State and Ousmane Sonko, a situation that is currently reshaping the political landscape in Sénégal.

A commitment to national dialogue

The political outreach initiated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is far from a mere tactical maneuver. Instead, it represents a deep-seated conviction that has been a consistent part of his vision. For the President, dialogue is not a convenient tool for political adjustment but a moral and ethical necessity to which he has dedicated significant time, even without any constitutional obligation to do so.

Debunking the Cap Manuel secret pact

Addressing rumors that have circulated widely, Aldiouma Sow categorically denied that Bassirou Diomaye Faye entered into any secret agreement while detained at Cap Manuel prison. This statement serves as a direct rebuttal to claims suggesting a hidden deal preceded his release. Interestingly, Sow suggested that while the President made no such pact, other candidates within that same prison environment allegedly swore on the Quran to hand over power to Ousmane Sonko once they reached the presidency.

Warning against destructive messianism

The political veteran did not hold back in his critique of what he describes as “destructive messianism.” This trend has threatened the very existence of the party since 2022. During past legislative and local elections, long-standing party cadres were reportedly pushed aside in favor of recent allies. Continuing this pattern in future elections would lead to the political demise of the party’s grassroots base. It is essential for local coordinators to resist this “messianic dictate” to preserve the movement.

Support for government ministers

To the ministers who have chosen to remain in the executive branch despite internal party friction, there is a clear message of encouragement. These officials should take pride in their roles. While they might face exclusion from digital communication groups or formal party structures, their commitment to the national patriotic project remains untouchable. Other members and deputies are invited to reconsider their alignment with the current leadership direction before the internal rift deepens further.