The Alliance for the Republic (APR) has escalated its campaign in Touba following the detention of its national coordinator, Pape Malick Ndour. The party accuses the government of orchestrating a political witch-hunt, sparking fresh debates about justice and governance in Senegal.
The APR delegation, representing the Convergence of Republican Leaders (CCR), met with the General Caliph of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, to present their case regarding the arrest of Pape Malick Ndour in connection with the Community Agricultural Land Program (Prodac). The party argues that his detention is part of a broader political strategy targeting its members, rather than a legitimate judicial process.
Justice or political persecution?
APR officials maintain that the charges against Ndour stem from a 2018 financial inspection report that predates his appointment as coordinator in 2019. They contend that the report has no bearing on his tenure, yet he remains imprisoned. This, they claim, exemplifies a pattern of politically motivated prosecutions against former government officials.
Bocar Diongue, speaking for the delegation, emphasized: “The only reason our colleagues are jailed is because they belong to the Alliance for the Republic. This injustice must stop.”
Accusations against the Prime Minister
The CCR delegation did not shy away from directly implicating Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom they accuse of spearheading the crackdown on APR members. Diongue declared: “Sonko is behind these arrests, but we will not back down. The fight continues, no matter the cost.”
Following the meeting in Touba, the delegation proceeded to Thiénaba, where they were received by the local Mouride leader, Serigne Assane Seck. The visit concluded with prayers for Ndour’s release and a show of solidarity with the detained minister.
