The political friction between Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo and his predecessor, Ousmane Sonko, appears to have reached a critical juncture. Just hours after the Pastef leader’s press briefing in Touba, where he delivered scathing critiques of the government’s performance and announced plans to back multiple censure motions in the National Assembly, the head of government chose to respond. His message, posted on the social media platform X, was widely interpreted as a direct rebuttal.

While refraining from explicitly naming Ousmane Sonko, Al Aminou Lo’s post conveyed a clear message: “To seek to make patriotism the monopoly of a single camp is, precisely, to betray it.” This pointed statement came on the heels of Sonko’s remarks made after the inauguration of Pastef’s new headquarters in Touba. Addressing party activists, the former Prime Minister asserted that he had received information regarding confidential declarations allegedly made by Al Aminou Lo during a private meeting.

“According to intelligence I have been given, Al Aminou Lo reportedly stated, during a confidential meeting, that his priority is now the improvement of the business climate. This implies a desire to meet the expectations of Western investors and economic partners,” Ousmane Sonko declared. The Pastef president characterized this strategic direction as a form of “sabotage” to the political agenda he champions. Consequently, he announced the impending submission of several censure motions targeting the government led by Al Aminou Lo, with the stated aim of impeding its policy initiatives and direction in Senegal’s governance.