Ousmane Sonko has publicly confirmed the existence of what he terms the ‘Cap Manuel Protocol’, a secret agreement allegedly negotiated between himself and Bassirou Diomaye Faye while Sonko was incarcerated at the Cap Manuel prison. The details of this protocol have now been made public, sparking intense debate about the integrity of Senegal’s democratic transition.

Speaking under oath and invoking divine witnesses, Sonko described how Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited him in prison to discuss the future of their political movement. At the time, Senegal’s electoral process was under scrutiny, with concerns about potential postponements looming over the presidential vote.

« There was indeed a Cap Manuel Protocol, » Sonko declared. « I rejected any notion of delaying the election and made it clear that Bassirou Diomaye Faye would be the movement’s candidate. » He added, « I told him: I have chosen you. If we win, we will govern together. In 2029, we will return to normal succession. »

To emphasize the gravity of his claims, Sonko took a solemn oath, swearing on the Quran and invoking God as his witness. « I swear before God and the Holy Quran that every word I have spoken is true, » he stated.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s acceptance of the reform agenda

According to Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye agreed to the proposed framework, framing his presidency as a transitional period dedicated to sweeping structural reforms. Sonko recounted Faye’s words: « This mandate will be one of difficult reforms. I will take responsibility for them, and you will have a clear path ahead. »

The former Prime Minister also revealed that he had suggested involving witnesses to formalize the agreement, but Faye declined, arguing that their mutual trust made such precautions unnecessary. Sonko further claimed that Faye had pledged to consider Sonko’s son, who shares his name, if he ever betrayed their political pact.

Future electoral commitments for 2029

Sonko went on to disclose that the 2029 presidential election was a central topic of their discussion. He asserted that he had made it clear to Faye that their continued collaboration would hinge on the fulfillment of the protocol’s terms. « I told him that if he adhered to our agreement, I would support his candidacy in 2029, » Sonko explained. « Otherwise, I would run myself. »

Faye’s response, Sonko claimed, was unequivocal. « He told me he would be my campaign director, » he revealed. These remarks come at a time of escalating tensions between the two former allies, raising questions about the durability of their political alliance.

The revelations have reignited discussions about the pre-election deals that paved the way for the political shift in Senegal in 2024, with many now questioning the transparency of the process.