Sonko’s sworn testimony on the Cap Manuel protocol with President Faye

In a dramatic revelation, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has sworn under oath that a formal political agreement was struck with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before the 2024 election. The alleged protocol of Cap Manuel, negotiated during Sonko’s imprisonment, is now reshaping political discourse in Senegal.

From prison cell to political pact

The former Prime Minister made the claim while addressing the press, describing a meeting held in his detention cell at Cap Manuel Prison. According to his account, President Faye visited him to discuss the future of their political movement amid rising concerns over a potential postponement of the presidential vote.

« There was indeed a Cap Manuel protocol, » Sonko declared. He recounted rejecting proposals to delay the election and endorsing Faye as the movement’s candidate, vowing to support his campaign. « I told him: I’ve chosen you, and if we win, we’ll govern together. In 2029, the transition will proceed as planned, » he stated.

To underscore the gravity of his claims, Sonko invoked a religious oath. « I swear before God and the Holy Quran that this account is true, » he asserted.

Faye’s acceptance of a reform mandate

Sonko further alleged that President Faye agreed to a framework where his 2024 mandate would prioritize structural reforms, paving the way for a future transition of power. « He told me: this term will be about difficult reforms. I’ll take the burden now, and you’ll have a clear path afterward, » Sonko recounted.

The opposition leader also claimed he suggested formalizing the agreement with witnesses to document the terms, but Faye declined, citing their « unshakable trust. » Sonko quoted the president as saying he would consider the wellbeing of Sonko’s son named after him if ever tempted to break their political pact.

2029 election: a conditional alliance

Sonko disclosed that discussions also addressed the 2029 presidential election, framing the alliance as conditional. « I told him that if he honored our agreement, I would back his candidacy. Otherwise, I would run myself, » he explained.

According to Sonko, Faye responded unequivocally: « He said he would be my campaign director, » reinforcing the depth of their pre-election understanding.

These revelations come at a time of growing rifts between the two former allies, reopening debates about the behind-the-scenes agreements that fueled Senegal’s historic political shift in 2024.