Ousmane Sonko addresses alleged political manipulation and 'crisis merchants' at Dakar Arena rally
via SeneNews3 min read
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko used a rally at Dakar Arena to confront what he termed "crisis merchants," individuals he claims exploit political tensions for personal gain. Sonko alleged that certain figures discreetly visit the presidential palace and leave with "envelopes," while publicly promoting a narrative of institutional crisis. Speaking to thousands of supporters from across Senegal and the diaspora, the leader of PASTEF asserted that there is no institutional crisis or problem in the country. He described the alleged manipulation as an attempt to undermine the government, stating that maneuvers against his political camp have been ongoing since July 8, 2025. Sonko also claimed that some individuals publicly supported PASTEF while secretly working to destabilize the party's political agenda. He emphasized that the distinction is now clear between those advocating for systemic change and those defending the status quo. The Prime Minister also spoke about governance, highlighting his focus on governmental work rather than electoral calculations. He stressed the importance of delivering tangible results for Senegalese citizens and warned against "plots," "schemes," and attempts to manipulate judicial institutions. Sonko urged civil servants and senior officers to adhere strictly to the law, stating that no official should execute an instruction deemed illegal, and called for political stability and a focus on the real concerns of the Senegalese people.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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Sakory Ka, brother of former minister Doudou Ka, and J茅r么me Bandiaky were sentenced to six months in prison for unauthorized possession of weapons by the third criminal chamber of the Dakar court. They were acquitted of more serious charges including illicit arms trafficking, usurpation of public functions, fraud involving state benefits, and acts undermining public security. Sakory Ka, detained since November 28, 2024, has served 21 months in prison. J茅r么me Bandiaky, incarcerated since September 25, 2024, has served over two years but remains in detention for another case. Doudou Ka reacted to his brother's release, stating that his brother, Papis Ka, was targeted through "grave and fallacious accusations" and that the justice system has now acquitted him of these serious charges, condemning him only for the unauthorized possession of their deceased father's weapon. He added that former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko "no longer has his political police."