Lansana Gagny Sakho rejects Ousmane Sonko's leadership bid

• Lansana Gagny Sakho rejected Ousmane Sonko's leadership as president of APIX's board of administration.
• Sakho declined a nomination to head the water and sanitation sector to remain faithful to his republican convictions.
• The move comes amidst ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Sonko, who is the president of the National Assembly.
• The situation may impact lawyers advising clients on compliance with Senegalese government regulations.

Once you're in power, the realities are different.

Lansana Gagny Sakho, the president of APIX's board of administration, has rejected Ousmane Sonko's leadership. In an interview on RFM Matin, Sakho explained that he declined a nomination to head the water and sanitation sector in order to remain faithful to his republican convictions. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Sonko, who is the president of the National Assembly.

Sakho's decision has significant implications for Senegalese politics, particularly within the Kiiraay party led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The leadership crisis in Senegal has been ongoing since December 2025, when Chief of Staff Ousmane Barro stated that a tandem cannot lead the country. More recently, Energy Minister Abdourahmane Diouf accused Sonko of disregarding parliamentary procedures. Sakho's rejection of Sonko's leadership is seen as a response to these tensions.

The situation may impact lawyers advising clients on compliance with Senegalese government regulations, particularly those related to the leadership and governance of state-owned enterprises like APIX.

Sakho's decision is a significant development in Senegalese politics, as it reflects the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Sonko. The situation highlights the challenges faced by leaders who must balance their convictions with the realities of power.

As Sakho noted, 'Once you're in power, the realities are different.' His decision may have implications for the leadership crisis in Senegal and the governance of state-owned enterprises like APIX.

This development may impact lawyers advising clients on compliance with Senegalese government regulations, particularly those related to the leadership and governance of state-owned enterprises like APIX.

Source: Original reporting via RFM Matin