Senegalese politician Modou Mbène Guèye hits back at Abba Mbaye over political betrayal claims

Political tensions escalate in Saint-Louis as allies accuse each other of betrayal

In a sharp televised exchange, Modou Mbène Guèye, coordinator of Pastef in Saint-Louis, fired back at Abba Mbaye, a former deputy, accusing him of political ingratitude after his recent shift to the presidential camp. The confrontation unfolded during a live debate where Abba Mbaye criticized Ousmane Sonko’s strategy of sacrificing allies to consolidate power, drawing a parallel with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s current political maneuvers.

Abba Mbaye’s remarks, broadcast on a major news outlet, suggested that a similar political realignment was underway with the support of figures like Kiiraay. However, Modou Mbène Guèye dismissed these claims as baseless, framing them as an attempt to undermine the administration’s legitimacy. He emphasized that such accusations reflect a lack of political memory, particularly given Abba Mbaye’s own history of public criticism toward the president and prime minister.

Allegations of political inconsistency and shifting loyalties

Modou Mbène Guèye went further, questioning Abba Mbaye’s moral standing by revisiting past statements. He recalled that in 2022, Abba Mbaye, then elected under Yewwi Askan Wi, declared after his victory that he owed no allegiance to anyone—a stance Modou Mbène Guèye called contradictory. He also highlighted earlier remarks where Abba Mbaye accused Ousmane Sonko of obstructing his mayoral ambitions, as well as disrespectful comments about the late Socialist Party leader Ousmane Tanor Dieng.

The Saint-Louis coordinator framed the debate as a clash between integrity and opportunism, stating that « political principles should not be bartered for personal gain ». He accused Abba Mbaye of lacking core values, branding him as ungrateful for failing to support President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko despite benefiting from their rise to power.

Pastef solidifies support in Saint-Louis amid political realignment

In response to the controversy, Modou Mbène Guèye reaffirmed his party’s dominance in Saint-Louis, vowing to maintain its stronghold regardless of Abba Mbaye’s defection to the ruling camp. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen local membership, including the distribution of over 3,750 party cards in the municipality—a campaign that entered its second phase on August 8.

The exchange underscores growing divisions within Senegal’s political landscape, with key figures openly challenging each other’s motives and allegiances. As the debate intensifies, all eyes remain on Saint-Louis, where local leaders are doubling down on their commitment to Pastef’s vision for the country.