As Senegal’s political landscape continues to churn under mounting pressure, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed Director-General of the Senegalese Shippers Council (COSEC), has publicly declared her steadfast loyalty to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Her bold statement comes at a critical juncture when institutional allegiances are being scrutinized across the nation.
The announcement follows months of escalating tensions between Sonko, leader of the Pastef movement, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Thiam’s declaration positions her firmly in Sonko’s camp, just as the political establishment braces for potential realignments.
a bold endorsement in uncertain times
Appointed to lead COSEC in May 2024, replacing former director Abdoulaye Diop, Thiam’s decision to voice her allegiance publicly carries symbolic weight. In a recent Facebook post, she shared a piece of advice she received prior to her nomination—a counsel that now seems prophetic.
According to her account, a trusted confidant urged her to remain loyal to Sonko, regardless of how the political winds might shift. The message underscored a long-term strategy: “The world of politics is unpredictable. Circumstances can change, even leading to divisions. When that moment comes, ensure you stand by Ousmane. He will always turn to you in his time of need.”
The closing line of her statement left little room for interpretation: “My dear brother, you will know who I am. And yes, Ousmane will see me.” The phrasing has sparked immediate debate across social platforms and political circles.
a climate of shifting loyalties
Thiam’s public stance arrives amid a broader wave of uncertainty within Senegal’s political elite. Several high-ranking officials and institutional leaders have recently faced questions about their allegiances as the country navigates a period of intense political evolution. Her words not only affirm her personal commitment but also signal a potential realignment within Senegal’s administrative machinery.
As the nation watches closely, Thiam’s loyalty to Sonko stands out as a clear declaration of intent—one that could influence future political dynamics in Dakar and beyond.
