Senegalese minister slams sonko’s victimhood narrative and backs diomaye faye

The Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, and Institutional Relations, Yankhoba Diémé, has sharply criticized former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, accusing him of fostering a culture of victimhood to undermine President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Diémé dismissed Sonko’s repeated claims of persecution as a deliberate tactic to distort public perception and shift blame onto the current administration. He argued that such rhetoric risks reversing the roles of victim and perpetrator in the eyes of the public.

compensation delays for former detainees: government clears president of blame

On the contentious issue of delayed compensation for former detainees, Diémé firmly rejected assertions linking the delays to President Diomaye Faye. He clarified that the Head of State had issued explicit directives during a cabinet meeting, instructing the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Family Affairs to expedite the process.

The minister also questioned the framing of former Prime Minister Sonko’s salary donation, where it was claimed he had contributed four million CFA francs to victims. Diémé emphasized that this gesture should not overshadow the state’s broader responsibility in addressing compensation claims.

political funds controversy: primature’s discretionary spending scrutinized

Highlighting the controversy surrounding political funds held by the Prime Minister’s office, Diémé revealed that an estimated 1.77 billion CFA francs were available. He suggested that these funds could have been allocated to compensate a significant number of victims, drawing on financial simulations to support his argument.

constitutional reform: accusations of parliamentary manipulation

Addressing the recent constitutional amendments, Diémé condemned what he described as a parliamentary swindle, alleging that certain political actors had hijacked the spirit of dialogue initiated by the President. He insisted that the reforms were intended to foster consensus, not to serve partisan interests.

former president macky sall: legal framework respected

Regarding the presence of former President Macky Sall in Senegal, Diémé defended the government’s stance, asserting that President Faye was acting within his constitutional mandate. He noted that Sall was neither under investigation nor facing legal proceedings, and stressed that only members of parliament could initiate high treason proceedings against a former president.

Diémé urged critics to refrain from baseless accusations, warning that such actions could undermine national stability. He concluded by stating that if Sall provided necessary clarifications on outstanding matters, there would be no impediment to a formal meeting with President Faye in accordance with republican principles.