Paradoxes du nouveau gouvernement : Sonko contrôle-t-il réellement les cadres de Pastef ?
The composition of the new government led by Ahmadou Alamine Mohamed Lo held several surprises on Monday evening, just minutes after the announcement by the president of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, of his party's non-participation in the new government team.
In a statement published on his social media, the leader of the Patriots revealed that a long meeting had taken place that morning with the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. "Some areas of agreement were confirmed, but also and especially points of disagreement," particularly regarding "the place and role of the majority in the executive branch," he explained.
According to Ousmane Sonko, new proposals formulated by the party's leadership were subsequently submitted to the Head of State, but received no favorable response. "Consequently, Pastef - Les Patriotes will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any ministers," the statement concluded.
This statement made the subsequent publication of the government list all the more surprising and raised numerous questions about the leadership of the now former Prime Minister. In other words, does Ousmane Sonko truly control all the key figures in his party?
Among those appointed is Marie-Angélique Mame Selbé Diouf, an influential member of Pastef, designated Minister of Family and Solidarity. Elected to parliament on the party's national list in the last legislative elections, where she held the fourth position among the candidates, she currently serves as vice-president of the Pastef parliamentary group in the National Assembly. She also serves as the national vice-coordinator of the Pastef Youth and Women's Movement (Mojip) for the Dakar region.
Another prominent figure associated with the presidential party, MP Abdou Khadre Ndiaye, has been appointed to the strategic Ministry of Land and Air Transport. Elected on the Louga departmental list and a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senegalese Abroad, and African Integration, he had distinguished himself in recent months with positions that sparked debate within Pastef. Following the referral for a second reading of the law amending the Electoral Code by President Diomaye Faye, he notably referred to a "lack of rigor," in a statement that fueled controversy within the political party.
Yankoba Diémé, coordinator of Pastef in Bignona and considered one of Ousmane Sonko's most loyal associates, retains a prominent position within the Executive branch. Moreover, he gains influence by leaving the portfolio of Infrastructure, Land and Air Transport to head the Ministry of the Armed Forces, one of the government's most strategic departments.
At the same time, Alioune Dione (Microfinance) and Moussa Bala Fofana (Local Authorities) were also reappointed to the government.
As for Bakary Sarr, he went from Secretary of State for Culture, Creative Industries and Historical Heritage to the position of Minister of Communication and Relations with Institutions, also government spokesperson.
The presence of these officials in the government team contrasts with the political line reaffirmed by Ousmane Sonko a few minutes before the official publication of the list.
"I am determined to pursue the mission entrusted to me, serving Senegal, in support of inclusive microfinance and a strong social and solidarity economy," Alioune Dione stated immediately after his appointment. He added: "In accordance with my philosophy of empathy, and my strong sense of responsibility and patriotism, I will strive to be a unifying force throughout my mission."
APTE, a future in doubt
Among Pastef's allies, also members of the Apte coalition (Patriotic Alliance for Work and Ethics), continuity prevails. This raises questions about the future of this platform, which has been severely tested. This alliance, established alongside the Diomaye President Coalition controlled by the head of state, is seen as an "unbreakable" shield for the Pastef party leader, described as "the most attacked man" on the Senegalese political scene.
"Ousmane Sonko dared to do what many do not dare," said coordinator Aïda Mbodj, drawing on her long political experience which has led her to serve in a government, oppose it, and now support one.
Today, several figures in the coalition retain their ministerial portfolios, notably Didier Fall, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, and Moustapha Guirassy. A former declared candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye had been considered one of Ousmane Sonko's main "Plan B" candidates should the latter be prevented from running.
The retention of these officials within the government demonstrates President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's desire to preserve certain political balances within his majority, despite the now-displayed disagreements with the Pastef leadership on the issue of government participation.
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