Once a close associate of Ousmane Sonko and now a key figure in the Kiiraay party led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Lansana Gagny Sakho has openly criticized his former mentor. Speaking on national radio, the Chair of the APIX board explained why he distanced himself from Sonko while defending his decision to support Senegal’s republican institutions.

Gagny Sakho revealed that he initially joined Sonko’s political movement because of the individuals behind it. After the change in leadership, he declined a nomination to head the water and sanitation sector to remain true to his convictions. “I prioritized principles over positions. That decision allowed me to walk away cleanly. From the start, I chose the Republic,” he stated.

In stark contrast, Gagny Sakho accused Ousmane Sonko of never having embraced the Republic. He pointed to public statements made by Sonko during President Faye’s official visits to the United States and China, where Sonko criticized the government’s lack of authority—a move that, according to Gagny Sakho, embarrassed the Head of State.

For the former ally of the Pastef leader, the true political choice lies in strengthening institutions and improving state governance. While acknowledging past challenges “from all sides,” he highlighted significant progress, particularly in the justice sector.

Gagny Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, mentioning former Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne’s assertion that no one could manipulate him. He claimed the minister’s removal was intended to install a more compliant official to influence magistrates. “But they failed to grasp that judges are anything but puppets,” he asserted, emphasizing the gap between opposition perceptions and the realities of power.