Ousmane Sonko warns of system reorganisation in senegalese politics

In a charged speech delivered in Dahra Djoloff over the weekend, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, launched a scathing critique of what he describes as the resurgence of entrenched political practices within Senegal’s highest corridors of power. Addressing a crowd of energised supporters, the leader of the Pastef movement argued that the ideals of transparency, accountability, and democratic renewal that inspired their rise to power are being systematically undermined.

From promises of change to accusations of betrayal

Sonko did not mince his words when he stated that no one within the Pastef ranks could have anticipated that long-standing allies would abandon their commitment to the Senegalese people once in office. « This is not about individuals, but about upholding the principles we pledged to defend: transparency, good governance, judicial integrity, and the renegotiation of our national resources, » he declared, underscoring the foundational values of their political project.

The crux of his argument centred on what he termed the reorganisation of the system—a deliberate return to the very practices the movement had vowed to dismantle. « Regrettably, the same system has reorganised itself within the Palace to betray our vision and revert to its old habits, » he asserted, pointing to a pattern of behaviour he claims contradicts their reformist agenda.

Institutions vs. popular sovereignty

Sonko raised a critical question about the balance of power in Senegal’s democracy. « Today, power resides in institutions rather than with the people, the true sovereign. Diomaye has created a party without electoral legitimacy, yet he wields the institutions. In a true democracy, power must derive from the people, not from state machinery, » he argued, suggesting that this disconnect could lead to an overreliance on institutional authority to compensate for a lack of popular support.

Judicial independence under scrutiny

The National Assembly President went further, alleging attempts to exert influence over Senegal’s highest judicial bodies. He claimed that efforts were underway to co-opt the Supreme Court and Constitutional Council, framing these moves as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power beyond democratic accountability. « This is how the system has reorganised itself, » he emphasised, framing these developments as a betrayal of the reformist promises made six years ago.