Political clash in Saint-Louis over Senegal’s leadership

In the heart of Saint-Louis, a heated exchange has erupted between political figures, spotlighting the shifting alliances reshaping Senegal’s political landscape. Modou Mbène Guèye, the local coordinator of Pastef in Saint-Louis, fired back at Abba Mbaye’s sharp criticism of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s strategy.

The debate unfolded during a televised appearance where Abba Mbaye, a former deputy, drew a stark comparison between Ousmane Sonko’s political maneuvers and those of the current administration. « He sacrificed every ally to consolidate power, and now President Diomaye Faye is attempting the same with Kiiraay, » Mbaye asserted. This remark came as part of his broader critique of Senegal’s political climate, which he described as having devolved from an admired model to a circus.

Modou Mbène Guèye didn’t hesitate to respond. The Pastef leader dismissed Mbaye’s comments as politically forgetful, arguing that the former deputy had contributed nothing to the election of President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko while frequently opposing them in the past. « Abba Mbaye lacks principles, convictions, and ethics—ingratitude is his defining trait, » Guèye declared, before dissecting Mbaye’s past statements.

Guèye highlighted Mbaye’s 2022 election as a deputy under the Yewwi Askan Wi banner, where he led the Taxawu Sénégal movement aligned with Khalifa Sall. Just a day after his victory, Mbaye claimed he owed no one anything—a stance Guèye called inconsistent with earlier remarks during the legislative campaign. During that period, Mbaye had accused Ousmane Sonko of blocking his path to the mayoralty. The criticism didn’t stop there; Guèye also recalled Mbaye’s disrespectful comments about the late Ousmane Tanor Dieng, secretary-general of the Socialist Party, and his earlier opposition to the formation of the 14th legislature.

In closing, Modou Mbène Guèye reaffirmed Saint-Louis’s unwavering loyalty to Pastef, regardless of any potential benefits Mbaye might gain from his newfound alignment with the ruling camp. He emphasized the ongoing local membership drive, which has already distributed 3,750 cards in the commune, with a second phase set to launch this Saturday, August 8.