Lansana Gagny Sakho, a former ally of Ousmane Sonko and now a prominent figure in the Kiiraay party led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has leveled sharp criticism at his former mentor. Speaking on a national radio program, the Chairman of the APIX Board of Directors addressed the reasons behind his break with Sonko, reaffirming his commitment to the country’s republican institutions.
Rejecting power for principles
Sakho, who once shared Sonko’s political vision, explained that his initial alignment was driven by admiration for the individuals behind the project. After the political transition, he revealed that he was offered a key position in the water and sanitation sector but declined to prioritize his principles over political power. « I refused to trade my convictions for a position. This decision allowed me to step away cleanly. From the start, I chose the Republic over personal gain, » he stated.
Sonko accused of undermining state authority
The former close associate of Sonko went further, accusing the opposition leader of never truly embracing the values of the Republic. Sakho criticized Sonko’s public statements, particularly during President Faye’s official visits to the United States and China, where Sonko allegedly questioned the government’s authority. « Those remarks deeply embarrassed the Head of State and deepened divisions within the administration, » Sakho asserted.
For Sakho, the essence of political responsibility lies in strengthening institutions and improving governance. While acknowledging past challenges on both sides, he highlighted significant progress, especially in the justice sector, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to reform.
Justice reform under scrutiny
Sakho also addressed recent changes at the Ministry of Justice, where former Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne publicly declared that no one could manipulate him. Sakho interpreted this as an attempt to install a more compliant minister to influence magistrates. « That assumption was misguided. Magistrates are not puppets, » he emphasized, stressing that power dynamics are far more complex than opposition voices suggest.
