Senegal political controversy: apr slams sonko over pape malick ndour arrest

Political Tensions Rise as Opposition Party Condemns Controversial Arrest

The Alliance pour la République (APR), led by former President Macky Sall, has voiced sharp condemnation following the detention of its member, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the PRODAC case.

In an official statement, the party labeled the arrest as a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic principles and accused Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of orchestrating what they described as a «hostage-taking» against their colleague. The APR emphasized that the allegations stem from a disputed 2018 report by the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF), despite Ndour’s appointment to PRODAC only in June 2019—effectively challenging the legal basis of the proceedings.

Weak Evidence and Procedural Flaws Alleged

The APR argued that the prosecution’s case relies on a non-contradictory forensic accounting report, which they claim contains flimsy and contradictory claims that distort reality. Describing the charges as «banal in nature», the party condemned what it sees as a systematic pattern of using detention as a first resort in cases where fair trial guarantees appear compromised.

«It is deeply troubling,» the statement read, «that such a consequential decision—impacting individual freedoms—rests on evidence that is either insufficiently contested, misleading, or outright false.» The APR warned that this sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of presumption of innocence, due process, and civil liberties.

Call for Solidarity and Immediate Release

The opposition party pledged unwavering support for Ndour, his family, legal team, and party members, urging them to remain vigilant and united against what they perceive as an escalating campaign to silence political opponents through intimidation and legal maneuvering.

«We hold the Government fully accountable for the physical and moral well-being of Pape Malick Ndour,» the APR declared, demanding his unconditional and immediate release. The party vowed to stand firm in the face of injustice, asserting its faith in the eventual triumph of justice over arbitrariness.