Branco and sonko: a strained bond over illegal favors

The past few days have seen a heated debate spark a wave of controversy, all stemming from a leaked letter that has sent shockwaves through political circles. The document, authored by Juan Branco, a French-Spanish lawyer and essayist, was addressed to Ousmane Sonko, the former Prime Minister of Senegal. In the letter, dated February 4, 2025, Branco outlines five key demands, framing them as urgent requests from a close ally to the head of government.

The first request revolves around a rogatory commission issued by a Spanish judge concerning Branco’s alleged abduction in Mauritania. Branco subtly urges Sonko to influence Senegalese judicial authorities to expedite cooperation in the case. He goes further, questioning Senegal’s sovereignty by alleging an undeclared French influence over the proceedings, a claim that could undermine public trust in the country’s legal independence.

Demands that cross legal boundaries

Branco’s second demand targets classified intelligence documents from Senegal’s former regime, specifically under ex-President Macky Sall. He seeks access to files allegedly linking Senegalese and French intelligence services, claiming he is the victim of a coordinated smear campaign in France. Branco points to a 2023 incident, where he alleges a kompromat operation—an attempt to entrap him—involving at least one Senegalese agent, just before a critical hearing in Dakar. Requesting such classified material would breach Senegal’s National Defense Secret Act (Articles 61 and following of the Penal Code), along with professional secrecy laws (Article 371), and could constitute the crime of disclosing non-disclosable information. This demand alone exposes both Branco and Sonko to severe legal repercussions.

The third issue Branco raises involves a French-Spanish judicial cooperation case concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to former President Sall. Branco implores Sonko to intervene directly, particularly on financial grounds. Such a request bypasses legal procedures entirely, as it would involve Sonko using public or partisan funds (via the PASTEF party) to finance private legal actions in France. Since Senegal is not a civil party in the case, this could amount to embezzlement of public funds or misuse of political finances. By circumventing official judicial channels, Branco and Sonko risk transforming a quest for justice into a series of criminal violations that could backfire on them both.

From political aspirations to citizenship demands

Branco’s fourth demand highlights his long-standing ambition to represent Senegal at the United Nations in New York. He argues that his appointment would align with the sovereignist and pan-Africanist vision of the current government. However, upon learning that another diplomat had been chosen, Branco pivots to a new request: acquiring Senegalese citizenship through presidential prerogative. This would allow him to practice law in Senegal and teach at the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar. This push reveals an attempt to bypass standard legal and institutional procedures, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of Senegal’s legal and academic systems. His past insistence on representing Senegal at the UN also posed geopolitical risks due to his dual French-Spanish nationality.

The fifth and final demand focuses on finances. Branco admits to receiving a total of 15,000 euros in fees and allowances between 2023 and 2025, including a 2,000-euro reimbursement from his Senegalese colleague, Master Bamba Cissé, for a trip to Dakar. He claims these funds covered travel, logistical expenses, and staff costs related to his role as a political representative for Sonko’s camp. Branco argues that these sums are grossly inadequate, considering his physical sacrifices—abduction, detention, and ongoing legal battles in France. However, the lack of a formal contractual framework between Branco and the Senegalese government raises serious questions. If the funds originated from public sources, this informal transaction could be classified as embezzlement of public funds, given that it bypassed standard procurement and financial transparency laws. This financial reckoning underscores a shift in their relationship, transforming what was once an ideological alliance into a transactional one, where activism is traded for political favors.

The leaked letter not only exposes the fragility of Branco and Sonko’s bond but also highlights the legal and ethical minefield they have entered. What began as a shared political vision now teeters on the brink of illegality, with both parties risking severe consequences for their actions.