Ziguinchor: Djibril Sonko renews his accusations against Tahibou Diédhiou; Kiraye's interim spokesperson issues a clarification

The mayor of Ziguinchor, Djibril Sonko, remains steadfast in his accusations. Invited to appear on Walf TV, he reiterated his claims against Tahibou Diédhiou, the former deputy mayor under Abdoulaye Baldé, whom he accuses of having "plundered the land of Ziguinchor." This statement comes after a similar declaration he made in Kewelou, which nearly led to the accused individual being brought before the prosecutor.

In his televised address, Djibril Sonko declared: "Tahibou Diédhiou never filed a complaint against me. These are simply people seeking a political comeback. I maintain that they have plundered the land of Ziguinchor." These remarks immediately sparked a public reaction.

The clarification came from Ousmane Bâ, interim spokesperson for Kiraye-Ziguinchor, who denounced the accusations as unfounded. In his statement, he emphasized: “It is easy to make accusations, but much more difficult to substantiate them with evidence. What is the point of accusing if you have proof? What are you waiting for to file a complaint?” Ousmane Bâ urged the mayor to focus on the municipality's urgent needs: the floods, garbage management, and the daily hardships faced by the residents of Ziguinchor, rather than attacking committed citizens.

The spokesperson also reiterated Tahibou Diédhiou's commitment, noting his generosity and close ties to the people of Ziguinchor. He stated: "We remain mobilized alongside Mr. Tahibou Diédhiou and all active forces to support the initiatives of the President of the Republic, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and to secure the mayoralty of Ziguinchor in the upcoming local elections."

This case illustrates the persistent political tension in the southern capital, where public accusations and counterattacks reflect a heightened rivalry between the current mayor and former municipal officials. In a context where social and economic challenges remain pressing, the controversy surrounding land in Ziguinchor risks further fueling local political debates.