Former minister Disputes Sonko‘s Claims of ‘Two-Speed justice’ Under President Faye

Dakar, Senegal – Cheikh Oumar Diagne, the former Minister responsible for administration and equipment to the presidency, has publicly refuted recent allegations made by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko regarding President Bassirou Diomaye Faye‘s administration of justice. Sonko had accused President Faye of applying a “two-speed justice” system, a claim Diagne vehemently denies.

Diagne stated that sonko’s accusations are “not in accordance with the truth.” He specifically addressed Sonko’s assertion that President Faye orders the arrest of those who criticize him while remaining lenient towards those who target him personally. Diagne countered that this narrative does not align with the facts.

to bolster his argument, Diagne referenced a recent incident involving the Minister of Justice in the Azoura Fall case. He pointed out that Sonko himself had previously reported seizing the Minister of Justice, despite the minister not having directly insulted President Faye, but rather his predecessor. “Let us ask ourselves a simple question: if he is able to do such a thing for a former president, why could he not have a person who insulted him himself?” diagne questioned.

Diagne further emphasized Sonko’s position as the head of the Ministry of Justice, noting that individuals who attacked Sonko – Assane diouf and Abdou Nguer among them – are currently incarcerated. He firmly asserted that, to his knowledge, President Faye has never issued instructions for anyone’s arrest. “The Prime Minister remains the head of the Minister of Justice,” he stated.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the Senegalese political landscape,particularly concerning the independence of the judiciary and the application of the law. The dispute comes amid a period of political transition following President Faye’s election in March 2024.