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.
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.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye traveled to Touba to offer condolences to the General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, following the passing of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké. The President was accompanied by his wife, Absa Faye, and several government members. The visit, initially planned for institutional consultation, took place in a context of mourning. The General Khalife emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize social concerns, stating that "times are hard" and urging the President to improve living conditions while preserving peace and national cohesion. Serigne Mountakha Mbacké also advised patience, tolerance, and forgiveness in governance, noting that national stability relies on leaders upholding the dignity of all citizens. He paid tribute to Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké as a man deeply committed to Islam and spiritual life. President Diomaye Faye expressed gratitude for the Khalife's advice and prayers, affirming he had "listened, understood, and applied" previous recommendations. This meeting highlights the ongoing dialogue between the state and religious leaders, who are influential in Senegal's social and political stability. The General Khalife also attributed the peace during the 2021 crises and 2024 elections to collective effort and a commitment to national cohesion, urging the President to govern with openness, mercy, and attentiveness to meet social expectations and consolidate peace.
The political upheaval following Ousmane Sonko's departure continues to be a topic of discussion within various national agencies and companies. Persistent reports indicate the notable absence of a prominent director general from their office since the crisis that led to the former Prime Minister's eviction. Internal sources suggest the official has not been seen publicly during regular working hours, leading to speculation among employees and discussions about the future of executives perceived to be close to Ousmane Sonko. This situation highlights a climate of anticipation among some public officials, many of whom were appointed during a specific political context and are now trying to interpret signals from the government to assess their future. While no official changes have been announced for the director general, who remains in office with all administrative prerogatives, the mere discussion of their alleged absence reveals the current atmosphere of apprehension within certain power circles. The political balance, once considered stable, appears more fragile since the break between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former Prime Minister, with officials now attempting to understand the implications of this new and uncertain political phase.
BreakingIran launched multiple missiles at Israel on Sunday, which Israel claims to have intercepted, marking a breach of the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. This action, the first by Iran against Israel since the April 8 ceasefire, has significantly heightened geopolitical tensions. Israel reported that its air force intercepted all missiles fired from Iran, with alert sirens sounding across northern Israel. Concurrently, hostilities continued on the Lebanese front, with projectiles fired towards Israel despite a theoretical ceasefire. Israel retaliated with strikes on southern Beirut, resulting in two deaths and 20 injuries. Iran stated its missile launches were a warning in response to the Israeli bombing of Beirut's southern suburbs, threatening a stronger response to further aggression. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israeli army, condemned Iran's actions. US President Donald Trump, concerned about ongoing negotiations with Iran, reportedly planned to ask Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate, aiming to preserve a potential agreement. Both Israel and Iraq announced temporary closures of their airspace, with Iran also closing its western airspace. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Israeli strike on Beirut, urging Iran to return to negotiations. The Israeli army, however, declared its intention to continue operations throughout Lebanon and intensify pressure on Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed targeting military positions in no