Speaking to the press this Tuesday, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed that a political accord was indeed struck with President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye ahead of the 2024 presidential contest. The leader of Pastef elaborated on what he termed the “Cap Manuel protocol,” an understanding he claims guided their political alliance.

Sonko detailed that these crucial discussions took place while he was incarcerated at Cap Manuel prison. He recounted hosting Bassirou Diomaye Faye in his cell to strategize the movement’s political trajectory, especially amidst swirling debates concerning a potential postponement of the presidential election.

“The Cap Manuel protocol truly exists,” asserted the former Prime Minister. He recounted rejecting any notion of delaying the ballot and reaffirmed his decision to endorse Bassirou Diomaye Faye as their camp’s presidential candidate.

“I conveyed to him: I have selected you, and upon our release, we will campaign, triumph in the elections, and govern. By 2029, we will revert to the established order of affairs,” Sonko stated.

To lend credence to his assertions, Ousmane Sonko solemnly swore that his account was entirely accurate. “I swear before God and the Holy Quran,” he declared.

President Faye’s acceptance of proposed reforms

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye readily embraced this political framework, viewing his prospective mandate as a period dedicated to implementing crucial structural reforms.

“He told me: this term will be one of challenging reforms. I will shoulder them, leaving a clear path ahead for you,” Ousmane Sonko reported.

The Pastef president also mentioned an attempt to formalize this commitment by involving witnesses. He proposed including other individuals in their discussion to attest to its contents, an offer which, he claims, his interlocutor declined.

Sonko recounted that Bassirou Diomaye Faye assured him their bond of trust rendered such a precaution unnecessary. The future head of state reportedly told Sonko that he would recall his son, who bears Sonko’s name, should he ever consider political betrayal.

Future commitments for the 2029 presidential election

Ousmane Sonko further revealed that the 2029 presidential election was a topic of discussion during this meeting. He explained to Bassirou Diomaye Faye that the continuation of their partnership would hinge on the fulfillment of their agreed-upon commitments.

“I informed him that if he maintained this momentum, I would champion his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would stand as a candidate myself,” he articulated.

The Pastef leader added that Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s response was unequivocal. “He replied that he would serve as my campaign manager,” Sonko affirmed.

These revelations emerge amid escalating tensions between the two erstwhile political allies. They reignite public discourse surrounding the agreements and pledges that paved the way for the tandem’s ascent to power and the political transition in Senegal in 2024.