Pastef Interpelle Procureur Dakar: Menaces Ousmane Sonko

• Pastef-Les Patriotes formally interpellated the Dakar Prosecutor regarding alleged threats against Ousmane Sonko.
• The threats were attributed to Arona Coumba Ndoffène Diouf, a member of the Kiiraay party, who allegedly called for a plot to eliminate Sonko.
• Pastef's communiqué, issued on October 28, 2026, labeled these remarks as "extremely dangerous" and demanded judicial action.
• The party argued that the statements could constitute an "atteinte à la sûreté de l'État" and linked them to a climate of normalized hate speech.
• Pastef also called upon President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye to intervene against actions by members of the presidential movement's Kiiraay party.

Specifically, the party suggests these statements might amount to an "atteinte à la sûreté de l'État," or an attack on state security.

Pastef-Les Patriotes has formally addressed the Public Prosecutor's Office in Dakar following remarks attributed to Arona Coumba Ndoffène Diouf, a member of the Kiiraay party. These statements, which Pastef claims were made publicly, allegedly called for leaders within Diouf's own party to orchestrate a plot aimed at eliminating Ousmane Sonko, who serves as the president of Pastef. The political organization characterized these comments as "extremely dangerous" and immediately sought judicial intervention.

The formal interpellation was communicated through a press release issued by Pastef's National Political Bureau on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. In this document, the party explicitly outlined its concerns regarding the alleged call for Sonko's elimination. This action underscores Pastef's resolve to protect its leader and ensure accountability for what it perceives as serious threats. The communiqué, signed in Dakar on the specified date, did not, however, indicate that any formal judicial proceedings had been initiated in response to the denounced declarations at the time of its release.

Pastef contends that the remarks targeting Ousmane Sonko, who also holds the position of President of the National Assembly, could constitute several legal infractions. Specifically, the party suggests these statements might amount to an "atteinte à la sûreté de l'État," or an attack on state security. This grave accusation forms the core of their demand for the Public Prosecutor to rigorously enforce existing legal provisions against the alleged perpetrators.

The political group further argues that these declarations are not isolated incidents but rather contribute to a broader environment where hate speech is normalized, particularly within the presidential movement. Pastef asserts that certain individuals associated with this movement frequently urge the Head of State to employ force to impede the political activities of both Pastef and its president. This pattern, according to Pastef, necessitates a firm judicial response to prevent the escalation of such rhetoric into tangible threats against political figures and the stability of the state.

Beyond the immediate legal implications, Pastef drew a direct connection between the recent statements and the political violence that plagued Senegal between 2021 and 2024. The party posits that the perceived impunity enjoyed by those allegedly responsible for instigating and carrying out these past acts of violence serves to embolden new calls for aggression and unrest. This historical context frames their urgent appeal for judicial action, suggesting that a failure to act now could perpetuate a cycle of political instability.

In a significant move, Pastef also directly appealed to the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. The party urged President Faye to intervene and put an end to the actions it attributes to members of the Kiiraay party, which the communiqué identifies as part of the presidential movement. This dual interpellation of both the prosecutor and the head of state highlights the gravity with which Pastef views the situation, seeking both legal redress and political intervention to safeguard its leadership and the broader political landscape.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Senegal should monitor the Dakar prosecutor's response to Pastef's interpellation, as it could trigger investigations or legal proceedings concerning political speech, threats, and potential charges like 'atteinte à la sûreté de l'État'. This development reflects ongoing political tensions that may lead to new legal precedents or enforcement actions related to public discourse and political conduct.

Source: Reporting based on SenePlus coverage.