Lansana Gagny Sakho accuses Ousmane Sonko of lacking republican commitment

Lansana Gagny Sakho, a former ally of Ousmane Sonko and now a leader in the Kiiraay party supporting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has leveled sharp criticism at his former mentor. Speaking on national radio, the Chairman of the APIX board of directors addressed the reasons behind his break with Sonko, while defending his own decision to prioritize Senegal’s republican institutions.

From political partnership to public disagreement

Sakho, who once aligned with Sonko’s vision, now emphasizes a fundamental difference in their approaches to governance. He revealed that after Senegal’s political transition, he turned down a high-ranking position in the water and sanitation sector to uphold his principles. “I refused to prioritize positions over my convictions,” he stated. “This decision allowed me to disengage cleanly. From the start, I chose the Republic.”

Sonko’s alleged disregard for institutional stability

In stark contrast, Sakho accused Ousmane Sonko of never truly embracing republican values. He pointed to public statements made by Sonko during President Faye’s official visits to the United States and China, where Sonko criticized a perceived lack of authority in Senegal. According to Sakho, such remarks embarrassed the Head of State and deepened divisions within the government.

For Sakho, the essence of political responsibility lies in strengthening state institutions rather than undermining them. While acknowledging past challenges on both sides, he highlighted significant progress—particularly in the justice sector—as evidence of the current administration’s commitment to reform.

Justice sector reforms and the independence of magistrates

Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where former minister Ousmane Diagne had declared before parliament that no one could manipulate him. Sakho alleged that Diagne’s removal was intended to install a more compliant figure who would influence judicial decisions. “That assumption was flawed,” he asserted. “Magistrates are not puppets. The realities of power differ vastly from the perceptions held by opposition figures.”

His remarks underscore a growing debate in Senegal about the balance between political loyalty and institutional integrity, with Sakho positioning himself firmly on the side of preserving the Republic’s foundational principles.