I joined PASTEF not to get a job, but with the conviction that I was part of creating a more just and transparent Senegal.

During our time together, I saw women and men give up their comfort and security to defend an ideal that went beyond us all. I thought when we came to power, things would be easier. But, slowly, my certainties crumbled.

According to my experience, the debate within PASTEF closed off. Criticism became suspicious. The spirit of critical thinking, indispensable in any democratic organisation, seemed less and less tolerated. Many chose to remain silent. Others left quietly, sometimes out of exhaustion, sometimes out of disappointment.

It was then that I realized that the main danger wasn’t just our political opponents. It could also come from our own functioning.

I saw a growing gap between two visions of power: one where a president exercises their constitutional responsibilities and another where a leadership, in my opinion, overstepped its limits as a party leader.

At some point, this dualism couldn’t last without creating tension. Senegal didn’t elect a messiah; it chose republican institutions. In a republic, no one should surpass the rules that founded the state.

While debates focus on personalities, daily concerns of Senegelese people remain: cost of living, job opportunities for young people, education, healthcare, agriculture, investments and creating wealth.

My commitment has never been a promise of loyalty to one person. It’s always been about upholding principles.

The men will pass. The republic remains. Institutions remain.

When the loyalty to a personality starts to surpass that to the republic, it’s time for each individual to reflect on their conscience.

I don’t write these lines out of anger. I do so with gravity because I refuse to abandon the values that led me to join PASTEF.

I will continue to serve Senegal with the same expectations: to say what I believe is right, defend institutions and put national interest above all partisan considerations.

The history will judge men. Conscience judges each day.