The appointment of Me Moussa Sarr as Senegal’s new Justice Minister has raised immediate concerns within the Pastef party. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko questions the selection, citing the nominee’s past involvement in contentious legal cases that have strained relations between his movement and the judiciary.
Scarcely had Senegal’s new government been sworn in when the first criticism surfaced—directed squarely at the Justice portfolio. Ousmane Sonko has publicly voiced reservations about the appointment of Me Moussa Sarr, warning both Prime Minister Al Amine Lô and certain members of his own party who accepted cabinet roles.
In a series of pointed remarks, Sonko highlighted what he sees as the Justice Minister-designate’s problematic judicial history. He argues that Me Moussa Sarr has played a central role in several legal cases that have deepened the rift between Pastef and key judicial institutions.
« The lineup at the Ministry of Justice does not inspire confidence, » the Pastef leader stated. « This individual was deeply involved in the very cases that have strained our relationship with the courts. »
While Sonko stopped short of outright rejection, he made clear that his party would be watching the new minister’s actions closely before rendering a final judgment. « We harbor doubts, but we will assess performance firsthand. And from the National Assembly, we will take all necessary steps, » he cautioned.
Prime Minister Al Amine Lô under scrutiny
Beyond the Justice portfolio, Ousmane Sonko also turned his attention to Prime Minister Al Amine Lô, whom he accused of straying from his stated technocratic mandate. Sonko insisted that the Prime Minister should refrain from political maneuvering and focus solely on administrative governance.
« I urge the Prime Minister to remain a technocrat, » Sonko asserted. « To step back from politics. He was chosen for his technical expertise—let him stick to that role. »
The Pastef leader went further, hinting at insider knowledge of the Prime Minister’s activities. « I am aware of many actions he has taken, » Sonko remarked. « Out of courtesy, I have maintained restraint thus far. But he should not provoke me. »
Cross-party defections draw fire
Ousmane Sonko did not limit his criticism to government appointees. He also rebuked several Pastef officials who joined the executive without consulting party leadership.
Among those named were Balla Moussa Fofana, Ibrahima Sy, and Yankoba Diémé. Sonko accused them of accepting cabinet positions independently, bypassing the movement’s internal decision-making processes. « All those who have taken seats in government did so on their own behalf, » he declared. « When the time comes, we will address their cases. »
These early exchanges signal growing political friction surrounding Senegal’s new administration. Yet it is the appointment of Me Moussa Sarr to the Justice Ministry that has sparked the deepest unease among Pastef supporters, who will await concrete actions before drawing final conclusions.
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