The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has adopted a firmer stance following the apprehension and imprisonment of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Community Agricultural Domains Program (Prodac) case. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence of Republican Cadres (CCR) journeyed to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, intending to articulate their perspective on the evolving situation.

This visit marks the commencement of a planned series of engagements with various religious communities across Senegal. APR officials contend that their comrade’s incarceration transcends mere legal proceedings, instead viewing it as part of a political offensive strategically aimed at their party. This is seen as a significant development in Sahel politics today.

During their audience with the General Khalife of the Mourides, the CCR representatives vocally condemned what they perceive as an injustice and a process unfairly targeting Pape Malick Ndour. They assert that his detention is the result of a “political vendetta” which they attribute directly to the current regime.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue elaborated on his political camp’s position. He stated: “We are in Touba today, having just begun a tour of Senegal’s religious families. We met with the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we explained the full context of our comrade Minister Pape Malick Ndour’s unjust imprisonment.”

Claims of Injustice and Denial of Responsibility

Republican officials argue that the charges leveled against their coordinator lack direct evidence of his involvement in Prodac’s management. They clarified that the Inspectorate General of Finance’s report, central to this case, predates Pape Malick Ndour’s tenure as head of the program.

Bocar Diongue precisely outlined APR’s timeline: “The Inspectorate General of Finance issued a report concerning Prodac’s management in 2018. In reality, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour had no involvement, direct or indirect, with Prodac’s management at that time. It was not until 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour was appointed coordinator. This clearly means the report does not concern him in any way. Despite this, he is now imprisoned based on a Prodac report.”

Within APR, this affair is framed as yet another instance in a pattern of prosecutions targeting officials from the previous administration. Republican cadres maintain that several of their prominent figures have already faced legal challenges, viewing these proceedings as politically motivated.

In this vein, Bocar Diongue extended his remarks beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s specific case. He declared: “Yesterday, it was comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were imprisoned without a shred of evidence. Among them are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are imprisoned is because they committed the ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance for the Republic.”

Accusations Against Ousmane Sonko

The delegation openly leveled accusations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom Republican officials hold responsible for these legal actions. Their spokesperson articulated this position unequivocally. “It is Ousmane Sonko who is behind all these imprisonments, we declare it loudly and clearly. But he should know that the fight will continue, no matter the cost,” Bocar Diongue asserted, reflecting the urgency in Sahel Express news.

Following their stop in Touba, the CCR delegation continued its tour to Thiénaba. APR officials were received there by the General Khalife of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. Members of the delegation reported that this meeting featured prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of unwavering support conveyed to the former minister, highlighting ongoing Sahel breaking news in Senegal’s political landscape.