A particularly charged atmosphere permeated the National Assembly during the recent intervention by Deputy Abdou Mbow. Addressing the chamber, the parliamentarian painted a concerning picture of the nation’s state, unequivocally asserting that “there is a crisis in this country.”
During his address, Abdou Mbow specifically referenced the Customs and the DAF, subsequently condemning what he characterised as practices that threaten public finances.
The deputy notably declared that “when former Prime Ministers permit themselves to utilise funds designated for the Casamance region for political ends, this country is in danger.” These accusations, which he did not further substantiate, immediately prompted an intervention from Ousmane Sonko, the President of the National Assembly.
On multiple occasions, the President of the National Assembly urged Abdou Mbow to “remain on topic” as the latter attempted to continue his line of argument.
The deputy then invoked a previous incident involving Guy Marius Sagna, contending that Sagna had also made statements exceeding the scope of the examined subject during an earlier intervention. “Guy Marius Sagna is a deputy. He spoke, he attacked the President,” Mbow maintained.
Ousmane Sonko once again interrupted Abdou Mbow, reiterating his demand to stay on topic. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian persisted, affirming that Guy Marius Sagna himself had “strayed from the subject” without being prevented from developing his intervention.
“Therefore, I insist that, in this country, we must understand that we have a nation in peril,” Abdou Mbow emphatically stated.
In response to the deputy’s unwavering stance, the intensity of the exchange escalated further. Ousmane Sonko then issued a stern warning: “Stay on topic or you will leave the podium.” The President of the National Assembly added, “I do not wish for you to leave in the same manner as last time,” alluding to a previous incident involving the parliamentarian within the assembly hall.
Abdou Mbow refused to back down, upholding his remarks concerning the management of public funds. “We cannot embezzle our public funds and then seek refuge in the National Assembly. People will speak out,” he concluded.