Minister Yankhoba Diémé recently addressed the ongoing political tensions in Senegal, particularly those involving President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. In a candid interview, Diémé openly criticized what he described as a “clear strategy of victimisation” employed by the former head of government, while simultaneously offering a robust defense of the current President on several sensitive national matters.

The Minister articulated his view that “this narcissistic mindset and accumulated misconduct by an individual ultimately portray the victim as the aggressor.” He believes this stance is deliberately designed to sway public opinion against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Compensation for Former Detainees: Diémé Absolves the President

On the contentious issue of compensation for individuals previously detained, Yankhoba Diémé firmly refuted allegations that implicated President Faye in the observed delays.

“It has been asserted that the compensation payments were held up due to President Diomaye. This is incorrect. The President issued explicit directives to both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Family Affairs during a Council of Ministers meeting,” he clarified.

Diémé also expressed skepticism regarding the public announcement of Ousmane Sonko’s salary donation. He contended that the claim of the former Prime Minister donating his four million CFA francs salary to victims should not overshadow the State’s overarching responsibilities in this affair.

Scrutiny on the Prime Minister’s Political Funds

Furthermore, Yankhoba Diémé brought attention to the substantial political funds available to the Prime Minister’s office.

“It was during a session at the National Assembly that I discovered the Prime Minister had access to 1.770 billion CFA francs in political funds. With such a considerable sum, a significant number of victims could have been compensated,” he argued, reinforcing his position with various financial projections.

Constitutional Reform: Denouncing “Parliamentary Trickery”

Addressing the recent constitutional revision, the Minister suggested that certain political figures had distorted the true intent behind the dialogue initiated by the President.

“The President invited all stakeholders to engage in dialogue, but what transpired was nothing short of parliamentary trickery,” he asserted.

Macky Sall’s Presence: “The President is Fulfilling His Role”

When questioned about the criticism surrounding former President Macky Sall’s continued presence in Senegal, Yankhoba Diémé defended President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s approach.

“Some suggest the President has changed because he allows Macky Sall to move freely under police and gendarmerie protection. However, the head of state is simply fulfilling his constitutional role. The former President faces no accusations or judicial proceedings,” he explained.

The Minister emphasized that Senegalese law strictly governs any potential legal action against a former President of the Republic.

“It is crucial to inform these agitated young people that only members of the National Assembly can initiate proceedings for high treason. One cannot make baseless accusations and then claim to be a hero,” he stated.

In closing, Yankhoba Diémé indicated that if Macky Sall were to provide necessary clarifications on certain issues, there would be no impediment to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye meeting or engaging with him, in adherence to republican principles.