Attaques du PM, pression sur la justice : Le réquisitoire de juge Dème et la réplique de Me Tall (Pastef)
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko harbors deep resentment against the judicial system, which he relentlessly attacks. In a recent statement, the former staunch opponent of Macky Sall's regime accused magistrates of "partisan behavior" and called for a "thorough overhaul of the justice system." These remarks continue to provoke outrage.
During the Agora/Pënc national day of reflection organized by AfrikaJom Center on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and dedicated to the state of Senegalese democracy, the resigning magistrate, Judge Ibrahima Hamidou Dème, reacted to the PM's remarks, expressing surprise at the noisy silence of the senior magistrates, particularly the heads of jurisdiction.
“When the Prime Minister attacks the judicial system, it’s an opportunity for the presiding judges and the magistrates’ organization (UMS) to step forward and defend it,” he declared. He added, “We’re told an anecdote from the time of Judge Kéba Mbaye. A minister attacked a judge. Kéba Mbaye requested a meeting with the Head of State and went to demand sanctions against the perpetrator of these attacks. This was done that very day.”
A rebuttal that lawyer and Pastef member Abdoulaye Tall, who participated in the panel, did not let go unchallenged. Responding to his fellow lawyer, the MP did not mince words. "There is no more serious attack against the judiciary than a magistrate who says, 'I resigned from a justice system that has resigned,'" he retorted.
A High Council of Justice to replace the CSM
If there is one point on which the two actors have a perfect convergence of views, it is on the question of reforming the High Council of the Judiciary. According to them, the presence of the President of the Republic cannot be an obstacle to its proper functioning and independence, provided that the method of appointing judges is unambiguous.
Judge Dème proposes, in this regard, that the selection be made through a "call for tenders" and that appointments be for a fixed term, "a mandate." "Those appointed through a call for tenders and holding a position for four non-renewable years will be less exposed to pressure," emphasizes Judge Dème, who calls for the High Council of the Judiciary to convene.
"Judges administer justice, but it does not belong to them. Justice is administered in the name of the people. Therefore, the CSM must be open to other representatives of the people," he declares.
Supporting Judge Dème's position, Mr. Tall announces that a package of reforms - stemming from the justice conference - is in the government's pipeline and the issue of expanding the CSM is included.
“The CSM will become the High Council of Justice (CSJ). Since the judiciary belongs to the magistrates, the CSJ belongs to the people, because justice is rendered in their name,” explains Mr. Tall.
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