Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam reaffirms unwavering support for Ousmane Sonko amid Senegal’s political unrest

In a bold display of political alignment, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed Director-General of Senegal’s Conseil sénégalais des chargeurs (COSEC), has publicly pledged her loyalty to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Her statement arrives at a critical juncture as Senegal grapples with escalating political tensions between Sonko’s Pastef party and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.

From strategic counsel to public declaration

Appointed to lead COSEC in May 2024, succeeding Abdoulaye Diop, Thiam has emerged as a vocal supporter of Sonko during a period when institutional leaders face increasing scrutiny over their political allegiances. Her recent social media statement reveals the depth of her commitment to the opposition figure.

In a Facebook post, she recounted a private conversation where a close associate advised her to maintain steadfast loyalty to Sonko, regardless of future political developments. “Politics is unpredictable. Circumstances can shift dramatically, even leading to splits within movements. When that time comes, ensure you stand by Ousmane. He must always see you standing beside him,” the counsel reportedly advised.

A message that resonates across Senegal’s political landscape

Thiam concluded her remarks with a pointed message directed at Sonko: “Dear brother, you’ll know who I am. And yes, Ousmane will see me.” The statement has sparked widespread discussion in Dakar’s political circles, where speculation about shifting loyalties among government and opposition figures continues to intensify.

The timing of her declaration adds weight to the ongoing narrative of political realignment in Senegal, where institutional leaders are increasingly forced to navigate the delicate balance between professional duty and personal conviction.