Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Yankhoba Diémé, has sharply criticized Ousmane Sonko’s strategy of portraying himself as a victim, accusing the former Prime Minister of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to undermine President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership. In a candid interview, Diémé dismissed Sonko’s claims as a calculated maneuver to manipulate public opinion and shift blame onto the current administration.

Addressing Sonko’s repeated assertions of persecution, the minister condemned what he described as a ‘manifest victimization strategy’, warning that such tactics risked distorting Senegal’s political landscape. ‘When narcissism and misconduct are weaponized, the victim often ends up being perceived as the aggressor,’ Diémé argued, emphasizing the need for accountability in public discourse.

Compensation delays for former detainees: minister clears the president

On the contentious issue of delayed compensation payments to former detainees, Yankhoba Diémé firmly rejected allegations implicating President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. ‘Claims that the president is responsible for the delays are baseless,’ he stated. ‘During a Council of Ministers meeting, clear directives were issued to both the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Family Affairs to expedite these payments.’

The minister also challenged the narrative surrounding Ousmane Sonko’s salary donation, arguing that while the former Prime Minister’s gesture drew attention, it did not absolve the state of its obligations. ‘The state’s role in compensating victims must remain central, regardless of individual contributions,’ he asserted.

Political funds controversy: a missed opportunity?

Highlighting the substantial political funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office—reportedly amounting to 1.77 billion CFA francs—Diémé questioned why these resources had not been utilized to address pressing social issues. ‘Had these funds been deployed strategically, thousands of victims could have received timely compensation,’ he contended, citing financial simulations to support his argument.

Constitutional reform: a betrayal of dialogue

The minister also weighed in on Senegal’s recent constitutional amendments, accusing certain political actors of subverting the spirit of the national dialogue initiated by President Faye. ‘The president called for inclusive discussions, but what transpired was a parliamentary deception,’ he alleged, without specifying individuals or parties involved.

Macky Sall’s presence in Senegal: a legal and constitutional stance

Responding to criticisms over former President Macky Sall’s freedom of movement in Senegal, Diémé defended the current administration’s approach. ‘The president is acting within his constitutional mandate,’ he explained. ‘Macky Sall is not facing any judicial proceedings, and Senegal’s laws strictly regulate any potential legal action against former heads of state.’

Diémé cautioned against unfounded accusations, stressing that only members of parliament possess the authority to initiate high treason proceedings. ‘It is irresponsible to make baseless claims and then position oneself as a champion of justice,’ he remarked, urging calm among the public.

In closing, the minister suggested that if Macky Sall provided clarity on unresolved matters, there would be no impediment to a formal meeting between the two leaders, provided it adhered to republican principles.