The Alliance for the Republic (APR) voiced strong objections following the apprehension and incarceration of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour, in connection with the Communal Agricultural Domains Program (Prodac) case. On Monday, May 18, 2026, a delegation from the Convergence of Republican Cadres (CCR) journeyed to Touba to meet with the esteemed Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to present their perspective on the evolving situation.

This visit marks the initial phase of a planned series of engagements with various influential religious families across Senegal. For APR officials, their comrade’s imprisonment transcends a mere legal matter, representing what they describe as a calculated political offensive targeting their party.

Addressing the Khalife General of the Mourides, the CCR representatives condemned what they perceive as an act of injustice and a judicial process unfairly directed at Pape Malick Ndour. They maintain that his detention stems from a “political cabal” orchestrated by the incumbent government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bocar Diongue articulated his political faction’s stance. He stated, “We are in Touba today, commencing a tour among Senegal’s religious families. We have met with the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou Mbacké, to whom we conveyed the full context surrounding the unjust arrest and imprisonment of our comrade, Minister Pape Malick Ndour.”

Allegations of injustice and lack of accountability

Republican officials contend that the legal actions initiated against their coordinator lack foundation in any direct involvement with the Prodac’s management. They highlight that the Inspectorate General of Finance report pertinent to this case predates Pape Malick Ndour’s appointment to lead the program.

Bocar Diongue reiterated the timeline put forth by the APR, explaining: “The Inspectorate General of Finance issued a report concerning the Prodac’s management in 2018. In reality, our colleague Pape Malick Ndour was not involved in any aspect of the Prodac’s management, neither closely nor remotely. It was only in 2019 that Pape Malick Ndour assumed the role of coordinator. This clearly indicates that the report does not pertain to him in any way. Despite this, he is now imprisoned based on a Prodac report.”

Within the APR, this incident is portrayed as another chapter in a pattern of prosecutions targeting officials from the previous administration. Republican cadres view these legal proceedings as overtly politically motivated.

Expanding on his remarks, Bocar Diongue asserted: “Just yesterday, our comrade Farba Ngom, along with numerous others, was incarcerated without a shred of evidence. Among those figures are Mansour Faye, Moustapha Diop, and many more. The sole reason for our comrades’ imprisonment is their ‘sin’ of belonging to the Alliance for the Republic.”

Direct accusations leveled against Ousmane Sonko

The delegation made no secret of its direct accusations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom republican leaders hold accountable for these legal actions. Their spokesperson articulated this position unequivocally. “Ousmane Sonko is the architect behind all these incarcerations, and we proclaim this loudly and clearly. However, he must understand that the struggle will persist, no matter the cost,” Bocar Diongue emphatically stated.

Following their engagement in Touba, the CCR delegation continued its journey to Thiénaba. There, officials from the APR were welcomed by the Khalife General of Thiénaba, Serigne Assane Seck. Members of the delegation reported that this meeting included prayers offered for Pape Malick Ndour and a message of unwavering support conveyed to the former minister.