The leader of the ACT party, Ibrahima Thiam, has sharply criticized recent statements by Ousmane Sonko, describing them as a threat to national unity.
In an op-ed titled “Amalgamation as a Strategy: Sonko’s Latest Breach”, Ibrahima Thiam argues that the PASTEF leader’s remarks were interpreted as an indirect attack on Touba and, more broadly, the Mouride community.
According to Thiam, these statements are not part of a substantive debate but rather a calculated communication strategy built on provocation, sensationalism, and division. He emphasizes that accusing—or even implying—that an entire city and religious community is involved in wrongdoing represents a serious political misstep.
He stresses that in a democracy, responsibility must be individual, never collective. A political figure who fosters suspicion against an entire group, in his view, is not seeking truth but perpetuating harmful generalizations.
Thiam also accuses Sonko of relying on populist rhetoric, where soundbites replace reasoned arguments and media spectacle overshadows meaningful discussion. He suggests that this approach aims to energize PASTEF’s base by fostering an atmosphere of confrontation.
In his article, Thiam highlights that Touba is far more than just a city—it is a spiritual, economic, and historical cornerstone of Senegal. He underscores that the Mouride community is a vital pillar of national cohesion, and any public statement that could be perceived as a broad indictment of this group must be handled with the utmost care.
He closes by urging political leaders to adopt more measured language, grounded in facts and mutual respect, to safeguard national unity and prevent emotions from overshadowing democratic discourse.