Senegal politics: Lansana Gagny Sakho accuses Ousmane Sonko of rejecting state institutions

In a striking statement, Lansana Gagny Sakho, a former close ally of Ousmane Sonko and now a leading figure in the Kiiraay party supporting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has publicly criticized his former mentor. Speaking on a national radio program, the Chairman of the APIX board of directors denounced Sonko’s alleged refusal to uphold the country’s democratic institutions.

From political alliance to sharp criticism

Sakho, who once shared the reformist vision of the Pastef movement, explained that his break with Sonko was rooted in a fundamental disagreement over governance principles. He revealed that after the political transition, he was offered a key position in the water and sanitation sector but declined to maintain his commitment to republican values.

« I refused to prioritize political appointments over my principles. That decision allowed me to distance myself from controversies,» Sakho stated during the broadcast. « From the beginning, I made my choice in favor of the Republic and its institutions.»

A clash of visions for Senegal

His remarks took a sharper tone when addressing Ousmane Sonko directly. Sakho accused the opposition leader of never truly embracing the country’s democratic framework, pointing to public statements that allegedly undermined state authority during the President’s official visits abroad.

« Sonko’s rhetoric has consistently fueled divisions at the highest levels of government,» Sakho asserted. « His comments during the President’s trips to the United States and China were particularly damaging, creating unnecessary diplomatic discomfort.»

Justice system reforms under scrutiny

The former ally also commented on recent changes within the Ministry of Justice, where the outgoing Minister, Ousmane Diagne, had publicly declared his refusal to be manipulated. Sakho suggested that his removal was an attempt to install a more compliant figure who could influence magistrates.

« Those who thought magistrates could be controlled were mistaken,» he declared. « Judges are not puppets. The realities of power are far more complex than what opposition figures perceive.»

Advancing governance despite challenges

While acknowledging past difficulties in governance, Sakho highlighted significant progress, particularly in the justice sector. He emphasized that preserving institutions and improving state functionality should be the primary focus of political leaders, a principle he claims guided his own decisions.