Aldiouma Sow, a prominent figure in the Sénégal political party Pastef les Patriotes, has firmly refuted allegations of a clandestine agreement made at the Cap Manuel prison. In a sweeping statement posted on his Facebook page, Sow defended party members who accepted an invitation from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, amid escalating tensions between the head of state and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
The declaration comes as political observers dissect the implications of the president’s ongoing dialogue initiatives, which Sow describes as a fundamental conviction rather than a tactical maneuver. He highlights Faye’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, rooted in his 2025 national call for consensus, stating that the president dedicated extensive time to discussions despite no constitutional, ethical, or moral obligation to do so.
Sow directly addressed the persistent rumor of a secret pact between Faye and Sonko, allegedly forged during the president’s detention at Cap Manuel. “The candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye never entered into a secret pact at Cap Manuel prison,” he declared emphatically. The statement follows Sonko’s recent claims of such an agreement, which Sow dismisses as baseless. Instead, he alleges that other candidates, while imprisoned, allegedly swore oaths on the Quran to transfer power to Sonko upon assuming office.
Criticizing what he terms a “destructive messianic drift,” Sow warned of the potential collapse of Pastef’s core values. He pointed to past controversies, including the 2022 legislative nominations, where long-standing party leaders were sidelined in favor of last-minute allies. “The same pattern will repeat in upcoming legislative and local elections, spelling political doom for Pastef’s grassroots,” he cautioned, urging coordinators to reject what he describes as a messianic dictate.
Addressing ministers who remained in government despite internal party pressures, Sow offered unwavering support. “Take pride in your decision. While you may face exclusion from party WhatsApp groups or Telegram channels, no one can strip you of your commitment to the patriotic vision.”
In a conciliatory tone, Sow extended an olive branch to undecided members, urging them to abandon Sonko’s divisive trajectory before it’s too late. “To fellow comrades, cadres, and deputies still wavering under this destructive messianism, you still have time to reconsider your stance.”
