With the six-month suspended sentence imposed yesterday by the Dakar Court of Appeal on Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, in the context of the appeal trial against the Minister of Tourism, Mame Mbaye Niang, the opponent’s allies to President Macky Sall stepped up to denounce « an unjust verdict » whose motivation, according to them, « is to want to dismiss it » from the next Presidential. This is the position defended by members of Yewwi askan wi (Yaw) such as Malick Gackou, president of the Grand Parti (Gp), and Déthié Fall, leader of the Republican Party for Progress (Prp) on the one hand, and the other by Mimi Touré, the former Prime Minister.

Ousmane Sonko was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence « for public insult and defamation » in the Prodac case. The decision was made public yesterday by the Dakar Court of Appeal, during the appeal trial against Mame Mbaye Niang, Minister of Tourism. The Court of Appeal, moreover, confirmed the amount of 200 million CFA francs in damages at first instance which the leader of the Pastef party should pay to the Minister of Tourism.  “The chances of seeing Sonko participate in the presidential election are compromised with this conviction” with “the (electoral) Code, which provides for removal from the electoral lists with a suspended sentence greater than or equal to six months”.

A verdict condemned by Ousmane Sonko’s supporters, calling it an « unjust » verdict. “I protest against the iniquitous verdict against Ousmane Sonko, the objective of which is to prevent him from being a candidate in the presidential election. I express all my solidarity with him and call on the democrats to mobilize against the unprecedented democratic regression in our country”, reacted the former Prime Minister, Aminata Touré.

Defamation Case Against Mame Mbaye Niang: The Patriot in Chief Loses his Eligibility

In the same vein, members of Yewwi askan wi also denounced the verdict of the Dakar Court of Appeal against Ousmane Sonko. This is the case of Malick Gackou, president of the Grand Party (Gp). “I denounce, with the utmost energy, this iniquitous verdict reinforcing the sentence against President Ousmane Sonko. This sentence, which reflects the desire to make him ineligible, will be opposed by the Forces Vives, in the name of safeguarding and perpetuating the Senegalese Nation. We renew our unwavering support for President Sonko and will remain determined together for the victory of the people against the forces of inertia”, commented Malick Gackou, following the announcement of the verdict of the Mame Mbaye Niang-Ousmane Sonko defamation appeal trial.

Déthié Fall, leader of the Republican Party for Progress (Prp), showed his support for Ousmane Sonko in the face of the regime in place, which would seek to « bar his way » in the upcoming Presidential election in 2024.  “I stand in total solidarity today more than ever with my friend and brother President Ousmane Sonko. Let us remain more than ever mobilized against President Macky Sall’s attempt to dismiss yet another candidate for the next presidential election,” Diéthé Fall said. 

By Amadou MBODJI / ambodji@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH / Serigne S. DIAGNE