The affair of deputy Ousmane Sonko, leader of Pastef, continues to hit the headlines in Senegal. Since the outbreak of this social affair converted into a politico-judicial affair, the positions taken, the interpretations, the letters interposed, the criticisms and tutti canti have not stopped. It is around the renowned filmmaker, Moussa Sène Absa to take the pen directly addressing the President of the Republic Macky Sall.
Mr. President, Dear Brother,
I just turned 63.
This is the age when one enters the circle of the Ancients.
The age when you have the right to say what you think of the country.
Without firing a shot.
Our country, which you have the great honor and privilege to lead, is going through troubled times in its history.
Never have I witnessed such great tension in our once peaceful and laughing society.
Never have I felt so many cleavages with nauseating consequences run through people’s minds.
Never have I felt so much dismay from our valiant people.
Mr. President, Dear Brother,
The situation is serious.
The beautiful land of our ancestors rumbles from its bowels.
She launches such a crazy rumor in the hearts of her children.
Her children are so dear to her.
She has entrusted you with their fates.
The Penghols are watching you.
You probably know it.
Because you have a heavy responsibility before history.
When, many years later, you will hear about your management of the country entrusted to you.
History will judge your capacity for magnanimity when all fronts are rumbling.
When so many interests are at stake.
When the world is looking for itself in these moments of doubt and fear.
When Senegal is full of coveted wealth.
When so many great figures have drawn such beautiful paths.
I’m sure you are aware of it.
Mr. President of the Republic, Dear Brother,
Take action while there is still time.
Act in the sole interest of your people.
Act by looking straight in the eyes of this hopeful youth.
Taking action for everything this country has done for you.
A little boy from Fatick who became President of the Republic.
This country is measured in these mirrors of our time.
When the future is so dark
The disease so insidious.
The devastating pandemic
Death lurks around every corner.
The people are afraid.
It’s up to you to make sure.
Take height on the constraints of Others
Remember when, as a child, you roamed the warm lands of Sine.
Peace in the face.
The smile in the wind.
Give that smile back to the children.
Mr. President of the Republic, Dear Brother,
Africa needs Senegal.
Through his work on the Intangible.
By his vision of the world.
By its capacity of luminous proposals.
This laboratory of ideas is in your hands.
Mr. President, Dear Brother,
Don’t get involved in over-the-belt quarrels!
These are reserved for the groom.
May the 45-year-old Senegalese who has never failed raise the little one and I send him to hell!
Kuneekul ci bu gudd bi
Yaa ngi cibu gaat bi.
The fight is elsewhere.
And I believe you are smart to find out.
He is in the remobilization of a wandering people.
It is in the construction of our own identity.
It is in the education of our children and grandchildren
He is in the valuation of all those arms who sell Chinese junk or drive Jakarta motorcycles.
It is in the implementation of Senegalese know-how.
Mr. President of the Republic, Dear compatriot,
I no longer know who to pray to other than the Lord!
May He make His Benefits open your mind but especially your heart.
May He keep you away from the vultures that roam around you.
May He help you think carefully about the Stories of the Future.
In front of you, the page is blank.
Try to write beautiful lines
Odes to our beautiful country
In its Grandeur
Forever.
Receive, Mr. President of the Republic, Dear Brother, the assurance of my sincere fraternity.
Moussa Sene Absa, Popenguine, this February 20, 2021
