Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam stands by Ousmane Sonko amid Senegal’s political shifts

In a bold display of allegiance, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed head of Senegal’s Conseil Sénégalais des Chargeurs (COSEC), has publicly reaffirmed her unwavering support for opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Her statement emerges against a backdrop of escalating political tensions between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as well as growing scrutiny over institutional loyalties.

From private counsel to public declaration

Appointed to lead the COSEC in May 2024, replacing Abdoulaye Diop, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam’s recent remarks have drawn attention not only for their boldness but also for their timing. Her decision to voice her support for Ousmane Sonko comes as several high-ranking officials and directors-general face increasing pressure to clarify their political stances amid the country’s evolving leadership dynamics.

In a Facebook post that quickly went viral, Thiam recounted a conversation she had before assuming her role at COSEC. A trusted confidant, she explained, had advised her to remain steadfast in her loyalty to Sonko, regardless of how the political landscape might shift in the future.

Words that resonate in a divided climate

The advice she shared was clear: “Politics is unpredictable. Circumstances can change, even leading to divisions. When that time comes, ensure you stand as one of Ousmane’s most loyal allies. He will always recognize you.”

Thiam concluded her message with a statement that left little room for ambiguity: “Dear brother, you will know who you are. And yes, Ousmane will see me.” These words, delivered at a time when political allegiances are being fiercely debated, have reignited discussions about loyalty, power, and the shifting sands of Senegal’s political arena.

A nation watching closely

Her remarks arrive amid a charged political environment where alliances and rivalries are being closely monitored. As Senegal navigates this period of transition, figures like Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam are under the microscope, their every move scrutinized for signals about the country’s future direction.