A strong political message from the legislative floor
During a recent session at the National Assembly, Deputy Mbaye Dione expanded his intervention beyond technical discussions on international financial reports, national debt, and local government funding. In a significant shift, the parliamentarian chose to address the current political atmosphere and the increasingly strained relationship between the ruling power and the opposition.
Directing his remarks toward the President of the National Assembly, he requested that a solemn message be conveyed to Ousmane Sonko, highlighting what he perceives as an unusually high level of political tension in the country.
“We are not his enemies”
The most striking moment of his speech came when he explicitly defined the nature of the current political divide. “We are not his enemies. We are his opponents,” Dione stated, drawing a sharp distinction between democratic disagreement and personal animosity.
He argued that challenging a government’s direction or a majority’s policies does not equate to being an adversary of the nation or a personal foe to those in power. According to the deputy, the Senegalese opposition remains firmly rooted in republican values, intending to participate in the democratic process by supporting beneficial initiatives while firmly contesting those they deem unfavorable.
Recalling Ousmane Sonko’s own path as an opponent
To reinforce his point, Mbaye Dione pointed to the political history of Ousmane Sonko himself. He noted that the current leader was once a prominent figure in the opposition who frequently used institutional platforms to express his own grievances and disagreements.
The deputy suggested that Ousmane Sonko must now demonstrate the same tolerance for dissent that he once demanded. In Dione’s view, political consistency requires that those who once led the charge against the establishment must now accept being challenged by others. He emphasized that contradiction is a fundamental pillar of a functioning democracy.
The National Assembly as a space for debate, not vendettas
Furthermore, Mbaye Dione stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of the National Assembly within the country’s institutional framework. He reminded his colleagues that the parliament is a prestigious body intended for legislative oversight, national debate, and collective responsibility.
He issued a stern warning against turning the chamber into a theater for personal confrontations or political score-settling. For Dione, the primary mission of the Assembly is to serve the public interest, rather than becoming a battleground for rival factions.
A responsible and vigilant opposition
The deputy characterized the opposition as a responsible force dedicated to the principles of the Republic. He clarified that their goal is not systematic obstruction but rather a stance of constant vigilance.
Dione asserted that the opposition would act with courage and responsibility, supporting the right decisions for the country while standing firm against any moves they believe contradict national interests.
An appeal for political de-escalation
Ultimately, Mbaye Dione’s intervention served as a broader plea for a calmer political climate. He urged the new administration to recognize the legitimacy of political dissent. His message was centered on the idea that governing does not require silencing the opposition, just as opposing does not mean working against the state. By reiterating that opponents are not enemies, Dione sought to return the political discourse to a more respectful, institutional, and republican level.