In a bold statement that has sent ripples through Senegal’s political landscape, Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam, the newly appointed head of the Senegalese Council of Shipowners (COSEC), has publicly doubled down on her unwavering support for opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Her declaration comes at a time when Senegal’s political climate is increasingly volatile, with tensions escalating between Sonko’s Pastef party and the administration of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Thiam’s move has sparked intense debate about the boundaries of institutional loyalty in a nation navigating shifting political alliances.

From corporate leadership to political alignment

Appointed as COSEC’s director-general in May 2024, succeeding Abdoulaye Diop, Thiam has positioned herself firmly in the political crosshairs. Her recent comments reflect a deeper narrative about how public officials balance personal convictions with professional obligations, especially when institutional loyalties are tested by broader political currents.

A strategic counsel shapes her stance

In a Facebook post that has since gone viral, Thiam shared an insight she received before her nomination. A trusted advisor allegedly urged her to remain steadfast in her allegiance to Sonko, regardless of how Senegal’s political landscape might evolve. The advice, she recounted, was both pragmatic and prophetic:

« Politics is unpredictable. What seems solid today could fracture tomorrow. When that moment comes, ensure Ousmane sees your loyalty first and foremost. He will always turn to those who stand by him in the toughest times. »

Her closing words carried even more weight: « Dear brother, you’ll know who I mean. And yes, Ousmane will see me. »*

Political tremors in a divided climate

Thiam’s public endorsement arrives amid growing speculation about shifting allegiances within Senegal’s ruling coalition. High-profile resignations, institutional reshuffles, and whispered alliances have left observers questioning where loyalties truly lie. Her statement adds another layer to the unfolding drama, as public figures weigh their next moves in an environment where political survival often depends on strategic alliances.