In an undated video, imprisoned opponent Ousmane Sonko names his number two Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement in the Senegalese presidential election on February 25.
3 mins
With our correspondent in Dakar, Léa-Lisa Westerhoff
At Senegalno more possible doubt: the opponent Ousmane Sonko, confirms the choice of Bassirou Diomaye Faye to replace him in the presidential election on February 25
It was through a pre-recorded video broadcast on his Facebook page and media close to the opposition that Ousmane Sonko made this announcement on January 28, 2024 that we had not heard the sound of his voice since his arrest on July 28.
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This is the opponent’s second speech in a few days. This video, like the first, would have been recorded while Ousmane Sonko was still under house arrest in July, according to a member of his party. “ We had worked on different scenarios, including this one », Explains El Malick Ndiaye, the spokesperson for the ex-African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity (Pastef, the formation of Ousmane Sonko, dissolved).
We see the opponent in traditional clothing, his official portrait in hologram behind him, detailing his strategy for 44 minutes in Wolof. And first: the confirmation of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as a replacement candidate.
“ Bassirou, it’s me », explains Ousmane Sonko who presents him as his “ little brother “. “ Bassirou is more honest than me ” And ” extremely bright », he said again. Before concluding : ” I place the project in his hands. »
In his 44-minute video, Ousmane Sonko also calls for the release of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in the name of the principle of equality between candidates
Because that is the whole question now: will Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in pre-trial detention since April for charges of calling for insurrection – among others – be released to campaign?
Legal experts believe that the serious crimes of which he is accused – six counts in total including “ acts likely to compromise public peace “, but also call for insurrection, attack on state security – would not allow provisional release.
Others put forward article 32 of the Constitution which guarantees “the equality of candidates for the use of means of propaganda “. Under this article, Bassirou Diomaye Faye should therefore have the right to freely conduct his campaign, if he requests provisional release. So far, no request has been made.
In the immediate future, Ousmane Sonko in any case calls on the other presidential candidates, political partners of his party, such as Habib Sy and Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, to remain candidates, to increase air time in favor of the candidate of the former -Pastef.