Internal crisis in Pastef: dr. abdourahmane diouf accuses ousmane sonko of betrayal

The Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, a founding member of the KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains party, made bold statements this past Sunday during an appearance on En Vérité, a program broadcast on Radio Sénégal Internationale.

Speaking candidly about the deepening divide within Pastef, Dr. Diouf squarely placed the blame on the party itself and its leader. According to him, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has remained unwavering in his commitment to upholding his promises, only to be undermined by internal betrayal. « The president has consistently honored his commitments, yet it is Pastef and its leadership that have chosen to isolate and betray him, rendering his mandate ungovernable, » he declared.

Dr. Diouf went further, accusing Ousmane Sonko of orchestrating this betrayal. He noted that after recognizing the disloyalty of his political partners—particularly Sonko—the president took decisive action to address the situation. The minister dismissed claims that Pastef could be the victim of betrayal while simultaneously accusing the head of state of disloyalty, calling such contradictions a hallmark of the party’s internal dysfunction.

Addressing former government colleagues who have distanced themselves from the administration, Dr. Diouf urged them to reflect on their choices. He emphasized that their departures were voluntary, not imposed, and that their absence has weakened the government’s parliamentary majority, complicating the implementation of President Faye’s policies and vision.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf expressed strong support for President Faye’s bid for a second term. This conviction, he revealed, was a key factor behind the formation of his own political party. He also criticized Pastef’s internal inconsistencies, highlighting how party officials struggle to align behind their leader while publicly preaching moral standards they fail to uphold themselves.