Local leader slams opposition’s political shifts in Saint-Louis

In a televised appearance, a prominent political figure in Saint-Louis has fired back at accusations levelled against Senegal’s evolving political landscape. Abba Mbaye, a former deputy, criticized the strategies of Ousmane Sonko and drew parallels with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s current efforts to reshape alliances. His remarks, made on a local news program, suggested a pattern of sacrificing political allies to secure majorities—a claim that has drawn a sharp response from the ground.

Local Pastef leader rejects accusations of betrayal

Modou Mbène Guèye, the Saint-Louis coordinator for the Pastef party, dismissed the allegations outright, framing them as a display of political amnesia. In a pointed rebuttal, he accused Abba Mbaye of lacking principles, convictions, and ethical grounding, labeling him as ungrateful for his past criticisms of the current administration. « His words reveal nothing but ingratitude, » Guèye stated, highlighting what he sees as a stark contrast between Mbaye’s past declarations and his recent shift toward the ruling camp.

The tension stems from Mbaye’s own political journey. Elected as a deputy in July 2022 under the Yewwi Askan Wi banner, he had initially distanced himself from any owed political favors, a stance Guèye argues contradicts earlier campaign rhetoric. The local leader also recalled Mbaye’s contentious remarks about Ousmane Sonko and other political figures, including a controversial statement directed at the late Ousmane Tanor Dieng, former secretary-general of the Socialist Party.

Saint-Louis stands firm with Pastef amid realignments

Guèye reaffirmed Saint-Louis’s unwavering support for Pastef, regardless of the incentives Abba Mbaye may seek in his new political alignment. He emphasized the party’s grassroots mobilization, noting that over 3,750 membership cards have already been distributed in the commune, with a second phase of enrollment set to launch on August 8. The effort underscores the party’s commitment to renewal and local engagement, he added.