Your Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko
Prime Minister’s Office
Dakar, Senegal
Dear Prime Minister Sonko,
As a long-time observer of Senegalese politics, I’ve often found myself at odds with your policy positions and philosophical underpinnings. However, witnessing the complexities of your political ordeal, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on a critical aspect: your eligibility to contest the 2029 presidential election. My past articles, somecritical, have followed your journey; this letter aims to contribute constructively to the discourse.
This letter is necessitated by your recent television address to PASTEF militants on March 1, 2026, where you expressed concerns and frustrations, notably hinting at dissatisfaction with President Diomaye. This subtle yet telling remark suggests underlying tensions within the coalition, potentially signaling a brewing rift. As an external observer, I see an opportunity for strategic recalibration and offer this input in solidarity with Senegal’s democratic journey.
All indications suggest that you intend to contest the 2029 presidential election, and I note that you are currently refiling your case with the Supreme Court, seeking judicial resolution on your eligibility. Your recent statements imply that PASTEF, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, may withdraw from the government and distance itself from President Diomaye, underscoring the rift’s reality and its potential consequences for Senegal’s political landscape. This development, following a period of promise and struggle for the new regime, is regrettable.
While this demonstrates your commitment to exploring all avenues, I respectfully caution that a confrontational approach may precipitate acrimony and chaos. In light of this, I suggest an alternative: leveraging PASTEF’s strong majority in the National Assembly to address the eligibility issue legislatively. Amending or repealing the relevant law (likely Article 29 or Decree 2021-228) would align with the democratic mandate and the will of the Senegalese people, allowing you to pursue your ambitions through a more pragmatic and peaceful route. I urge you to dispatch your lawyers and political advisers to approach deputies at the National Assembly and take up this issue expeditiously! While you’re still Prime Minister, this can be done without much hustle; as the saying goes, ‘make hay while the sun shines’.
This approach could also underscore your commitment to democratic principles and representation. I’d be happy to discuss this further or provide any assistance.
Sincerely,
Musa Bassadi Jawara
Economist & Author
