Senegal opposition leader accuses president of being a puppet

The inauguration of the Pastef party headquarters in Touba—a city 194 kilometers east of Dakar—served as the backdrop for a scathing critique from Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly. The event, which drew political figures from across the country, became a platform for Sonko to voice his concerns about President Diomaye Faye’s leadership style.

In remarks that have since sparked nationwide debate, Sonko described the head of state as “a puppet, easily manipulated by outside forces.” His words painted a picture of a president lacking firm conviction, one who succumbs to pressure from both political allies and opponents. “May God protect us from a timid president,” Sonko declared. “This is a disaster. He is someone who bends to every influence, from last-minute political players to even the opposition, who mislead him into believing he controls the defense and security forces—and could secure a second term.”

Sonko’s criticism did not stop at general accusations. He went further, revealing what he claims is Faye’s hidden agenda during his time as Secretary-General and Coordinator of Party Cadres. “With hindsight, I now see he was working behind the scenes to build his own faction within the party,” Sonko stated. “That’s what he was focused on while in office. Once he became president, he assumed he could reclaim the majority of cadres after cutting ties with me. Unfortunately for him, no one followed.”

The Pastef party, led by President Faye, holds a parliamentary majority, making Sonko’s remarks particularly significant. His statements reflect growing tensions within Senegal’s political landscape, where loyalty and authority are increasingly scrutinized. As the nation watches, the debate over leadership and influence continues to intensify.