Senegal’s political landscape has been stirred by a series of sharp exchanges between PASTEF, the hardline party led by Ousmane Sonko, and Omar Youm, former Minister of the Armed Forces under ex-President Macky Sall.
Waly Diouf Bodian, director of the Port of Dakar and a prominent figure within PASTEF, has publicly criticised Youm for his handling of the political unrest between 2021 and 2024.
In a Facebook post dated July 14, Bodian accused Youm of attempting to shift responsibility for the period’s political violence onto victims and protesters.
He described the former minister’s actions as “the height of political cynicism,” claiming that Youm, through a bailiff, had collected statements from opponents to use them against them.
Bodian argues that the former government’s accountability for repression and deadly incidents is being downplayed, while protestors are unfairly blamed.
The Port director continued his criticism in a post on July 29, writing: “In Senegal, a recruiter of thugs, with blood on his hands, takes advantage of his impunity to charge the regime. He will soon shut his mouth,” referring to the former Minister of Youth under Macky Sall.
Bodian also highlighted what he perceives as a stark contrast in Youm’s current stance compared to his time in office.
“We never heard him flinch in his time,” he said, referencing the mass arrests and violence that occurred under thep previous administration.
According to Bodian, Youm’s newfound indignation appears opportunistic, defending what he describes as a weakened and politically marginalised camp.
This exchange reflects PASTEF’s determination to maintain a combative approach against figures associated with the former regime.
In a country still grappling with the legacies of recent political unrest, these statements underscore that the battle over historical narratives from the Macky Sall years remains intense.
As the dialogue continues on social media and in political circles, the confrontation between PASTEF and former government officials shows no sign of abating.
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