Africa-Press. Senegalese President Macky Sall has dismissed the presidential spokesperson Ousmane Ly and appointed Abdoulaye Thiam in his place, just two days after a lengthy interview he conducted with the Senegalese press.
The dismissal has affected a prominent figure within the ruling party, as Ousmane Ly is considered a veteran activist in “Pestef” and was one of the early supporters of the president alongside Ousmane Sonko, especially during their release from prison in March 2024, where he participated in the first press conference that brought them together at that time.
The decision has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with several party activists expressing their shock at the dismissal of a figure described as one of the most loyal supporters of the president.
The appointment of Abdoulaye Thiam, a lawyer not affiliated with “Pestef” who leads a small party within the presidential coalition, is seen as an indication of a reshaping of the president’s inner circle.
In another development, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on May 4 a forthcoming speech to review the achievements of his government over the past two years. During a meeting with the party’s youth wing, Sonko emphasized the identity of “Pestef” as a party focused on shaping ideas and public opinion, asserting that the party belongs to its members and warning against engaging in power struggles. In his remarks, Sonko urged party supporters to avoid personal competition, stressing that the pursuit of positions does not reflect the principles of “Pestef.”
