During his keynote speech at the founding assembly of his new political party at the King Fahd Palace this Saturday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a poignant message about the lives lost during Senegal’s recent political unrest. The carefully crafted words were widely interpreted as a veiled reference to his political adversary Ousmane Sonko.

Reflecting on the tragic losses from years of political tensions, the Head of State delivered a solemn statement: “You see? Their memory demands neither vengeance nor silence. What they ask is that we ensure no political disagreement in this nation ever costs another life again. “ This appeal for calm and shared responsibility was followed by a sharper remark: “In this country, those who disrupt the peace will find no room to thrive.”

While the president did not name names, political observers immediately recognized the implicit message directed at Ousmane Sonko. Sonko’s longstanding confrontational political style has frequently sparked controversy, making him the most likely target of these remarks. The statement comes amid growing tensions between Senegal’s two top leaders, following the recent launch of the president’s new party and notable departures from the Pastef movement.