May 20, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Apr accuses ousmane sonko of political targeting in touba visit

apr accuses ousmane sonko of political targeting in touba visit

The Alliance for the Republic (APR) is intensifying its advocacy efforts in Touba following the detention of Pape Malick Ndour, asserting that his arrest is part of a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by the current administration. Representatives of the party presented their case before Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, appealing for justice and reigniting critical discussions about the intersection of justice and political dynamics in Senegal.

Ousmane Sonko reçu par le Khalife général des Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké (photos)

The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has voiced strong objections following the arrest and imprisonment of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Communal Agricultural Domains Program (Prodac) case. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence of Republican Cadres (CCR) journeyed to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to present their perspective on the evolving situation.

This visit marks the initial phase of a planned series of engagements with various religious communities across Senegal. For APR leaders, Ndour’s incarceration transcends a mere legal matter; they perceive it as part of a broader political offensive specifically targeting their party.

Addressing the General Khalife of the Mourides, the CCR representatives condemned what they view as an egregious injustice and a process unfairly biased against Pape Malick Ndour. They contend that his detention is a direct consequence of a “political cabal” orchestrated by the current government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue articulated his political faction’s stance. He stated: « We are currently in Touba, commencing a tour of Senegal’s religious families. We met with the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we explained the full scope of our comrade Minister Pape Malick Ndour’s unjust imprisonment. »

allegations of injustice and denial of responsibility

Republican officials maintain that the charges brought against their coordinator lack substantiation regarding his direct involvement in the Prodac program’s management. They argue that the Inspectorate General of Finance’s report, central to this case, pertains to a period predating Pape Malick Ndour’s leadership of the program.

Bocar Diongue further elaborated on the timeline put forth by the APR: « It was in 2018 that a report from the Inspectorate General of Finance concerning Prodac’s management was issued. In reality, our comrade Pape Malick Ndour had no involvement, direct or indirect, in any aspect of Prodac’s management during that time. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour was appointed as coordinator. This clearly indicates that the report does not concern him in any way. Despite this, he is now imprisoned based on a Prodac report. »

Within the APR, this incident is portrayed as another chapter in a pattern of legal actions aimed at former government officials. Republican cadres assert that several prominent figures from their ranks have already faced judicial scrutiny, viewing these proceedings as politically motivated.

In this context, Bocar Diongue extended his remarks beyond Pape Malick Ndour’s specific situation. He affirmed: « Yesterday, it was comrade Farba Ngom and many others among us who were imprisoned without a shred of evidence. Among those are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and numerous others. The sole reason our comrades are being incarcerated is their perceived ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance for the Republic. »

accusations against ousmane sonko

The delegation openly leveled accusations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, holding him accountable for these legal actions. This position was articulated unequivocally by their spokesperson. « It is Ousmane Sonko who stands behind all these imprisonments, and we declare it loudly and clearly. But he should understand that the struggle will persist, no matter the cost, » Bocar Diongue asserted.

Following their visit to Touba, the CCR delegation continued its journey to Thiénaba. APR officials were received there by the General Khalife of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. According to delegation members, this meeting included prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of unwavering support for the former minister.