The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has voiced its profound indignation following the detention of its prominent member, Pape Malick Ndour. The arrest stems from an execution warrant issued in connection with the PRODAC affair.
In an official statement, the political party, formerly led by President Macky Sall, asserts that Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was the first to announce what they term this ‘hostage-taking,’ directly identifying him as the ‘instigator’ behind the action.
The APR contends that the charges against Ndour are based on an alleged 2018 report from the Inspectorate General of Finance (IGF). This, they argue, is fundamentally flawed, given that Pape Malick Ndour was not appointed to PRODAC until June 2019. For the party, such a discrepancy cannot form a serious legal foundation for the ‘judicial sequestration of an honest citizen’ who, they insist, performed ‘excellent work’ as PRODAC coordinator.
According to Macky Sall’s party, the accounting expertise report, which serves as the basis for the prosecution, is deemed ‘non-contradictory’ by them and rests on ‘very weak assertions that contradict reality.’
The APR characterizes the accusations leveled against Ndour as ‘disconcertingly trivial.’ The party vehemently condemns what it perceives as a ‘systematic recourse to measures depriving individuals of liberty in cases where the elementary guarantees of a fair procedure appear gravely weakened.’
The APR finds it particularly ‘alarming that a decision with such severe consequences for individual liberties could be based on elements of such great lightness, insufficiently contradictory, or manifestly false.’
Furthermore, Macky Sall’s party reiterates its concern that a decision so impactful on individual freedoms could be founded on such flimsy, inadequately substantiated, or demonstrably false information, especially when juxtaposed with the alleged facts.
Through this incident, the APR believes a broader issue is being raised concerning the respect for defense rights, the presumption of innocence, and public liberties. Faced with this situation, the party declares its refusal to allow ‘our democracy to descend into a logic of criminalizing the opposition and intimidating political leaders.’
The APR reaffirms its complete, unwavering, and unconditional support for Pape Malick Ndour, his family, close associates, and legal counsel. It urges all activists, members, and leaders of the party to remain mobilized, vigilant, and united against any ‘attempt to undermine democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.’
Finally, the APR holds the Government ‘solely and uniquely responsible for any harm to the physical and moral integrity of Pape Malick Ndour.’ The party demands Pape Malick Ndour’s immediate and unconditional release.
The party concludes by affirming its commitment to stand firm alongside all those who face injustice, driven by the conviction that ‘justice will always triumph over arbitrariness.’
