Africa’s problem is Africans themselves.

We are a continent where people hate each other, where many settle for mediocrity, and where selfish interests are often placed above the public good.

What we are witnessing in Senegal isn’t new, it’s a recurring trend that continues to afflict the continent. 

History has shown us callous plots orchestrated by friends against friends, leading not only to their downfall but sometimes even to their deaths. 

One such case is that of Burkina Faso’s slain President Thomas Sankara, who was betrayed by his close friend, Blaise Compaoré. Despite widespread condemnation, such betrayals continue to persist.

Fast forward to today, and we still see people working tirelessly to destroy the brotherly bond between two friends. Diomaye must wake up and take urgent steps to address this issue.

While I may not fully know who Diomaye listens to, I believe he should stop engaging with those liars who approach him with ulterior motives, those who aim to tarnish the image of Ousmane Sonko. I know Ousmane isn’t perfect, no human is, but he has Senegal at heart, just like Diomaye Faye.

I can’t understand why so many people on this continent hate themselves and their fellow citizens. All they care about are their selfish interests, the “big man” mentality, while ordinary citizens continue to languish in abject poverty.

I just stumbled across a video where Diomaye told a rally that Sonko was their presidential candidate and that they were ready to lay down their lives for Senegal. That video showed me that these two brothers are true friends who genuinely care about their country.

As the Wolof adage goes: “Sheytan wahul dega waay yahaa heel,” which translates to “Satan doesn’t tell the truth, but he corrupts the mind.” This is one of the major obstacles we face.

People who speak ill of others behind their backs are not just nefarious, they’re bloodsuckers.

By Adama Makasuba.