XALIMANEWS: The controversy surrounding Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s statements about US President Donald Trump continues to provoke strong reactions. In a new statement, Baye Mayoro Diop, Director of Decentralized Cooperation (DIRCOD), once again criticized the head of government, strongly reaffirming that “diplomacy is the prerogative of the head of state.”
In a detailed text, DIRCOD emphasized that only the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is authorized to define and lead Senegal’s foreign policy, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors acting under his authority. He therefore believes that Ousmane Sonko “has no authority” to speak on foreign policy issues without express permission.
According to Baye Mayoro Diop, the statements made by the Prime Minister in Dakar are of “unusual gravity” and indicate a confusion of roles at the top of the state. He warns of the consequences of such statements, which could undermine Senegal’s diplomatic coherence and expose the country to risks in its relations with international partners, particularly the United States.
The Director of Decentralized Cooperation goes even further by suggesting that these statements, made in the presence of American diplomats in Dakar, could compromise strategic national interests. He highlights that this type of statement, given the institutional stature of its author, affects the image and credibility of an entire country.
Ministerial reprimand ignored
Despite this reprimand, Baye Mayoro Diop seems to disregard it and continues his criticism, launching new political “missiles” against Ousmane Sonko. This stance raises questions about respect for administrative discipline and the coherence of institutional communication.
In its publication, DIRCOD also denounces a “progressive encroachment” by the Prime Minister into the diplomatic sphere, which he finds concerning. He refers to a discourse that he views as populist and warns of its potentially harmful effects on Senegal’s interests.
Going even further, Baye Mayoro Diop openly questions the intentions of the head of government, wondering if there is a deliberate attempt to compromise the bilateral relationship between Senegal and the United States, or even to “sabotage” the diplomacy led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
