Senegalese Prime Minister Criticizes Global Military Interventions at Dakar Conference

April 12, 2026 - The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has sharply criticized recent Western military interventions, stating that they have contributed to global instability rather than peace. His remarks were delivered during an international conference on state sovereignty held in Dakar on April 9, 2026. Speaking at the forum, Sonko argued that recent and historical military campaigns led by Western powers have failed to achieve their stated objectives and have instead left long-term political and humanitarian consequences in several regions. He cited conflicts including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria as examples of what he described as unsuccessful attempts to reshape political outcomes through military force. According to the Prime Minister, similar dynamics are now being observed in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, where military pressure has not produced the intended political results. He suggested that despite escalating confrontation, diplomatic engagement is gradually becoming the preferred path for the parties involved. “The goal of overthrowing the Iranian regime has not been achieved. It still exists and has, in some respects, become stronger than before,” Sonko stated during his address. The Prime Minister also directly criticized US President Donald Trump, linking him to what he described as destabilizing global policies. He argued that the current trajectory of international relations reflects a pattern in which powerful states impose decisions under the banner of democracy, often without regard for national sovereignty. “Donald Trump is not a person who wants peace. He is a person who is concerned with disrupting the stability of people,” he said. Sonko further stated that continued reliance on military solutions should be reconsidered, urging a shift toward dialogue and cooperation in resolving international disputes. He emphasized that unilateral interventions by powerful nations should give way to approaches that respect the sovereignty and independent choices of states. He concluded that sustainable peace can only be achieved through negotiation rather than military confrontation, given the far-reaching consequences of modern conflicts on global stability.