Lansana Gagny Sakho on his break with Ousmane Sonko and fidelity to institutions

In a candid interview, Lansana Gagny Sakho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of APIX, made a clear distinction between his political stance and that of Ousmane Sonko. Speaking as a guest on a national morning show, he recounted his decision to distance himself from the leader of Pastef, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the Republic’s institutions.

Sakho recalled his initial alignment with the political project led by Pastef, driven by the individuals behind it at the time. However, he made a deliberate choice to prioritize principles over positions after the political transition. He revealed that he had declined an offer to head the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to uphold his convictions. « My loyalty lies with the Republic, not political offices, » he stated firmly. « I refused to compromise my values, which ultimately made my departure from the party effortless. »

Ousmane Sonko’s alleged disregard for republican values

Sakho did not mince words when critiquing Ousmane Sonko, accusing him of never truly embracing the Republic’s principles. He pointed to public remarks made during critical moments—such as when the President was abroad on official visits to the United States and China—as evidence of Sonko’s divisive influence. According to Sakho, Sonko’s comments questioning the government’s authority during the President’s absence were not only inappropriate but also deeply damaging to the country’s image.

The former ally of Pastef stressed that true political leadership should focus on strengthening institutions rather than fueling discord. While acknowledging challenges faced by both sides, he highlighted significant progress, particularly in the justice sector, as a testament to the administration’s commitment to reform.

Justice reforms and the resilience of magistrates

Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where former Minister Ousmane Diagne had famously declared before parliament that no one could manipulate him. The speaker suggested that his removal was an attempt to install a more compliant figure, one who could exert undue influence over the judiciary. « That assumption was gravely mistaken, » Sakho remarked. « Magistrates are not puppets—no external force can dictate their decisions. » He underscored that power dynamics in governance are far more complex than opposition narratives suggest.

His remarks come amid a wave of resignations within Pastef, as several senior party members have defected to align with President Diomaye Faye’s administration ahead of the launch of a new political movement, Kiiraay. Sakho has been vocal in his support for the President’s policies, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of institutional continuity and stability.