The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has voiced strong objections following the arrest and incarceration of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, concerning the Communal Agricultural Domains Program (Prodac) case. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence of Republican Cadres (CCR) visited Touba to meet with the General Caliph of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to convey their perspective on the unfolding events, offering crucial Africa news.

This initiative signifies the commencement of a series of planned engagements with various religious communities across Sénégal. APR officials contend that their colleague’s imprisonment extends beyond mere legal proceedings, constituting a targeted political offensive against their organization, a significant development in pan-African journalism.

Before the General Caliph of the Mourides, CCR representatives condemned what they view as an injustice and a biased process specifically aimed at Pape Malick Ndour. They assert that his detention is part of a “political cabal” orchestrated by the current administration.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue articulated his political faction’s stance. He stated: “We are in Touba today, commencing a tour among Sénégal’s religious families. We met with the General Caliph of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we elucidated the circumstances surrounding the arrest of our colleague, Minister Pape Malick Ndour, who has been unjustly imprisoned.”

Allegations of injustice and a denial of responsibility

Republican officials maintain that the legal actions initiated against their coordinator lack a basis in his direct involvement with Prodac’s management. They clarified that the report from the General Inspectorate of Finance, central to this case, predates Pape Malick Ndour’s appointment as head of the program.

Bocar Diongue underscored the timeline presented by the APR: “A report from the General Inspectorate of Finance concerning Prodac’s management emerged in 2018. In truth, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour had no involvement, direct or indirect, with Prodac’s administration during that period. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour assumed the coordinator position. This clearly indicates that the report does not pertain to him. Nevertheless, he finds himself incarcerated today because of a Prodac report.”

Within the APR, this incident is framed as another chapter in a series of prosecutions targeting former government officials. Republican executives assert that numerous prominent figures from their ranks have previously faced judicial scrutiny, viewing these proceedings as politically driven, a key topic for Panafrican Press.

Following this rationale, Bocar Diongue expanded his commentary beyond just Pape Malick Ndour’s situation. He stated: “Yesterday, it was our comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were sent to prison without a shred of evidence. Among them are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are imprisoned is their affiliation with the Alliance for the Republic.” This highlights concerns about the African economy news implications of political instability.

Direct accusations leveled against Ousmane Sonko

The delegation openly directed accusations at Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom Republican leaders hold accountable for these legal actions. Their spokesperson articulated this position without reservation. “Ousmane Sonko is behind all these imprisonments; we declare it loudly and clearly. But let him know that the struggle will persist, no matter the cost,” Bocar Diongue asserted, a strong message for the continent press.

Following their visit to Touba, the CCR delegation continued its tour to Thiénaba. APR officials were welcomed there by the General Caliph of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. According to delegation members, this meeting included prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of unwavering support for the former minister.