Lansana Gagny Sakho clarifies break with Ousmane Sonko over state allegiance

Dakar — In a recent television appearance, Lansana Gagny Sakho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of APIX, addressed the reasons behind his decision to distance himself from Pastor Ousmane Sonko’s political movement while firmly aligning with the nation’s republican institutions. His remarks come at a time when internal shifts within the Pastor’s party have drawn significant attention.

Speaking on a morning talk show, Sakho revealed that his initial support for Pastef stemmed from the individuals who embodied its vision at the time. Unlike others, he chose not to compromise his principles for political appointments. He recounted declining an offer to head the Water and Sanitation sector after the political transition, emphasizing, « My loyalty lies with the Republic, not positions. That clarity allowed me to leave without hesitation. I have always chosen the Republic. »

Public critiques and institutional divides

Sakho did not mince words when critiquing Sonko’s leadership style, stating that the opposition leader « has never truly chosen the Republic. » He accused Sonko of deepening fractures within the government through public statements made while President Faye was abroad on official visits to the United States and China. According to Sakho, Sonko’s remarks questioning the government’s authority at a critical moment were not only reckless but also deeply embarrassing for the head of state.

The former ally of Pastef stressed that true political commitment means upholding the integrity of institutions and enhancing state efficiency. While acknowledging that challenges have existed « on both sides, » he highlighted significant progress, particularly in the justice sector, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to reform.

Justice sector reforms and political perceptions

Sakho also commented on recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where the former Minister of Justice, Ousmane Diagne, had publicly declared to the National Assembly that he could not be manipulated. Sakho suggested that Diagne’s removal was an attempt to install a more compliant figure who could influence the judiciary. However, he dismissed this as a miscalculation, asserting, « Magistrates are anything but puppets. » He underscored that the realities of governance often differ vastly from the perspectives held by opposition figures.

His statements follow a series of public endorsements for President Diomaye Faye’s policies, with Sakho repeatedly emphasizing the importance of state continuity and institutional stability. This latest intervention coincides with a wave of resignations within Pastef, as several party officials have recently defected to the presidential camp ahead of the launch of the Kiiraay party.