Ousmane Sonko affirms existence of Cap Manuel protocol with Bassirou Diomaye Faye

In a dramatic revelation, Ousmane Sonko, former Senegalese Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has publicly confirmed the existence of a political agreement—the “protocol of Cap Manuel”—signed with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to the press, Sonko described the encounter as a solemn commitment that shaped their political future.

The announcement comes in a charged political climate, with many questioning the dynamics between the two leaders who jointly engineered Senegal’s political transition.

An agreement forged in detention

According to Sonko, the discussions took place during his imprisonment at the Cap Manuel prison in Dakar. He claims that Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited him in his cell to discuss the future of their political movement amid rising concerns over a potential postponement of the presidential election.

Sonko stated, “There was indeed a protocol of Cap Manuel.” He asserted that he firmly opposed any election delay and insisted on Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the presidential candidate for their coalition. “I told him: I have chosen you. If we are released, we will campaign, win the election, and govern. In 2029, we will return to normal proceedings,” he recounted.

To reinforce his claims, Sonko took an oath, declaring, “I swear before God and the Holy Quran that this is true.”

Reforms and future commitments

Sonko further revealed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye agreed to this political framework, framing his mandate as a period dedicated to implementing structural reforms. “He told me: This mandate will be one of difficult reforms. I will take them upon myself, and you will have a clear path ahead,” Sonko shared.

He also mentioned an attempt to formalize the agreement through witnesses, though Bassirou Diomaye Faye reportedly declined, citing mutual trust. Sonko quoted the President-elect as saying, “I will think of my son, who shares my name, if I ever betray you in politics.”

2029 presidential election on the table

The conversation also addressed the 2029 presidential election. Sonko explained that his continued support for Bassirou Diomaye Faye would depend on the fulfillment of their agreement. “I told him that if he maintained this momentum, I would back his candidacy in 2029. Otherwise, I would run myself,” he stated.

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye responded definitively, “I will be your campaign director.”

These revelations have reignited debates about the pre-election commitments that led to the political shift in Senegal in 2024.