Senegal’s political crisis: Pastef’s contradictions exposed by Dr Abdourahmane Diouf

Minister’s blunt assessment of Pastef’s internal fractures

The Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr Abdourahmane Diouf—a founding member of the KIIRAAY party—has delivered a scathing critique of the internal strife plaguing Pastef. Speaking on a national platform, he attributed the party’s turmoil entirely to its own leadership and Ousmane Sonko’s actions, which he described as a betrayal of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s mandate.

The minister emphasized the president’s unwavering commitment to his promises, contrasting it with what he called the party’s disloyalty. « The president has remained steadfast in his principles, while Pastef and its leader have deliberately undermined his authority to render governance impossible, » Diouf stated.

Addressing former government colleagues who have distanced themselves from the administration, he argued that their departure was voluntary—not forced—and warned that their absence has weakened the president’s ability to implement his agenda. « They chose to leave, depriving the country of the parliamentary majority needed to advance our shared vision, » he noted.

Plea for unity and a second term

Looking ahead, Dr Diouf urged national unity and expressed his support for President Faye’s reelection in the next term. His stance reflects his decision to launch a new political party, citing Pastef’s internal contradictions as a key factor in his departure.

The minister also criticized Pastef’s leadership for failing to align with its own principles while publicly lecturing others on morality. « A party cannot claim to uphold loyalty when its actions betray its core values, » he asserted.

His remarks underscore the deepening divisions within Pastef and raise questions about the party’s future cohesion ahead of critical political decisions.