Senegal politics: apr leader accuses ousmane sonko of judicial populism

The former Member of Parliament Maïmouna Sène, a key figure in the national executive committee of the Alliance for the Republic (APR), has sharply criticized Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in the National Assembly. She accused him of deploying what she termed “judicial populism” and “distractions” that divert attention from Senegal’s pressing economic challenges.

In a fiery address, the former legislator argued that while accountability is a legitimate institutional obligation, it must not be weaponized as a political communication tool to mask the government’s failure to steer the nation toward emergence. She emphasized that the priorities of the Senegalese people lie in economic revival, job creation, and combating inflation—not in what she described as a “witch hunt” or settling scores.

Accountability begins at home, says Sène

Maïmouna Sène challenged the Prime Minister to focus on tangible results rather than verbal threats. “If you have evidence, take it to the courts and let judges do their work in peace,” she stated. “The Senegalese people did not entrust the state to you so you could dwell on the past, hunt witches, or settle old scores. They expect you to curb inflation, create jobs, and revive the economy. Charity begins at home—start by scrutinizing your own ranks before pointing fingers.”

The APR leader’s remarks underscore growing tensions between political factions as Senegal grapples with economic pressures. Critics argue that the current administration’s approach to accountability risks undermining national cohesion rather than addressing the root causes of the country’s economic struggles.