Senegal politics: apr leader condemns sonko’s judicial tactics as economic crisis deepens

In a sharp rebuke delivered from the floor of the National Assembly, former legislator Maïmouna Sène, a senior official of the Alliance Pour la République (APR), accused Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Sénégal, of weaponising the justice system. Speaking on behalf of the now-opposition party, she labelled his approach as “judicial populism”, arguing that it diverts attention from the country’s mounting economic challenges.

Accountability yes, but not as political theatre

While acknowledging that transparency in governance is essential, Sène insisted that the current wave of prosecutions is being exploited for “political communication” rather than genuine institutional reform. She pointed out that Sénégalais citizens are most concerned with curbing inflation, boosting employment and reigniting economic growth—not with what she described as a “witch-hunt” against rivals.

Jobs and prices over political score-settling

During her address, Sène issued a direct challenge to the Prime Minister: “If you possess credible evidence, present it before the courts and allow judges to deliberate in peace. The people of Sénégal did not elect you to gaze into the rear-view mirror, conduct witch hunts or settle personal scores. They expect you to curb inflation, create jobs and revive the economy. Charity begins at home—start by scrutinising your own ranks before targeting others.”

Call for action, not rhetoric

Urging Sonko to shift from verbal threats to tangible results, she concluded by urging him to apply the principle of accountability within his own government first, before attempting to hold others to account.