Aminata Touré responds to Ousmane Sonko's criticism of presidential party formation
via SeneNews2 min read
Aminata Touré, coordinator of the Task force for the establishment of the future presidential party, has responded firmly to criticisms from Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko, who called the party's creation a "political distraction." Touré initially declined to comment directly on Sonko's remarks, stating that political debates should remain within institutional and strategic frameworks. She emphasized that consolidating a political apparatus around the head of state is necessary for stability and effective public action. Touré implicitly challenged Sonko's criticisms by highlighting that Pastef's list received 1,991,770 votes out of an electorate of 7,371,890, meaning 130 deputies were elected by 27% of the electorate. She suggested that those who want to decide the future of democracy alone do so for power-driven reasons. Touré proposed a referendum to ask Senegalese citizens if they want to share their stable system for individual power concerns, advocating for direct citizen consultation on ongoing reforms. She views the creation of the future party as a rationalization of the political landscape, aiming to integrate existing political entities to reduce partisan fragmentation. Touré dismissed accusations that the project would weaken President Bassirou Diomaye Faye or create tensions within the ruling coalition, concluding with the proverb, "The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on."
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadCulture Minister Alpha Thiam expressed his disagreement with the proposed constitutional revision by the Pastef parliamentary group. He stated that 120 deputies cannot unilaterally change the Constitution, following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's announcement on June 29 to submit the constitutional revision project to a referendum due to strong reactions. Thiam also reiterated his support for President Faye forming his own political party, asserting that Senegal would support him. He urged political figures such as Karim Wade, Abdoulaye Wade, Macky Sall, and Bougane Guèye Dani to demonstrate "patriotic surge" for the country's benefit. Addressing Pastef militants, Thiam denounced alleged pressure on social media, stating, "We will not accept people terrorizing us with 72-hour stories. We are not cowards." These statements highlight divisions within the majority regarding institutional matters, particularly constitutional reform, and reignite discussions about President Faye's political future.
The UEFA has expressed strong disapproval of FIFA's decision to suspend the red card issued to Falorin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. The European body stated that this decision threatens the integrity of the game and raises questions about the application of fundamental competition rules. UEFA described FIFA's action as "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable," emphasizing that a minimum automatic one-match suspension following a red card is not optional and does not require a decision from a competent body to be applied. Balogun was sent off during the round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on the leg of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović. UEFA argues that the legal certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed, undermining the credibility of the competition and setting a precedent where similar situations would need identical treatment, to the detriment of the competition.
Must ReadAt least nine farmers were killed in a raid on Kakangi village in Kaduna State, Nigeria, according to a document for the UN and a local source. The attack occurred on Saturday when armed men shot farmers working in fields around the village. Six of the nine bodies discovered have been identified by local authorities. A community leader, Kabiru Ishaq, who visited the village, reported ten deaths. Both Ishaq and the UN report indicate the attack was retaliation for farmers killing a bandit during a failed robbery attempt on the same day, after which an accomplice returned with reinforcements. This incident is part of increasing violence in northern and central Nigeria, where criminal groups and jihadists intensify attacks on agricultural communities that fail to pay demanded tributes. Kaduna is among the affected regions, experiencing raids, killings, kidnappings for ransom, looting, and house burnings. Attacks in the Birnin Gwari district continue despite a November 2023 peace agreement between bandits and communities. In a similar assault in June, six farmers were killed and 20 kidnapped in Danauta village.