Michel Thioub, the former president of the Senegalese Cycling Federation (FSC), is calling for the immediate execution of a court ruling that annulled the organization’s January 15, 2022, general assembly.
The Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI) of Dakar issued the decision on September 18, 2025, effectively voiding the assembly that led to the appointment of Pape Fata Faye as the president of the FSC.
Legal Grounds for Annulment
The court, ruling in the first instance, determined that the elective general assembly was null because the federation’s statutes and internal regulations lacked legal value.
According to civil judgment n°708 of the TGI of Dakar, the documents submitted by the parties did not contain the necessary signatures. The court stated that the assembly was “null” because it was held based on documents whose validity had not been established.
Administrative Silence and Governance Crisis
Despite the ruling, Michel Thioub reports that the decision has not been implemented eight months later. He has reached out to several high-level authorities to facilitate a “return to legality.”
In a recent communiqué, Thioub stated that he has written to the Minister in charge of Sports and contacted the Prime Minister, but he has received no response to date.
“In our country, must court decisions be executed… or ignored?”
Thioub argues that the current situation extends beyond the cycling federation, touching upon the credibility of national institutions and the future of sports governance in Senegal.
The Path to Pacification
Seeking to resolve the ongoing governance crisis, the former FSC leader has expressed a desire for pacification. He is urging the “full respect of the court decision” and an end to all legally irregular situations.
Thioub is calling for the organization of a new general assembly that conforms to established texts and is conducted in a “transparent and credible” framework.
Historical Context of the Dispute
Michel Thioub first assumed the presidency of the Senegalese Cycling Federation in 2015, succeeding Alioune Diop. He led the discipline for seven years.
The conflict stems from the January 15, 2022, elective assembly, which was supervised by Bamba Mbaye of the Direction of Physical and Sporting Activities (DAPS), representing the Ministry of Sports. That assembly resulted in the victory of Pape Fata Faye.
Thioub subsequently challenged the process in court, alleging that the Minister of Sports and their representative violated the FSC’s statutes and regulations during the proceedings.
Potential Next Steps
Depending on the response from government authorities, several scenarios could emerge. The government may eventually move to enforce the TGI’s ruling, which could lead to the removal of the current leadership.
Alternatively, a new, legally compliant general assembly may be organized to resolve the leadership vacuum. If the silence from the Prime Minister and Minister of Sports continues, further legal appeals or challenges may be possible to compel the execution of the judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the TGI of Dakar annul the 2022 general assembly?
The assembly was declared null because the statutes and internal regulations of the FSC used as the basis for the meeting lacked signatures and therefore lacked legal validity.
Who was appointed president during the contested assembly?
Pape Fata Faye was declared the winner of the votes during the January 15, 2022, assembly.
What is Michel Thioub requesting from the authorities?
He is demanding the full application of the court’s decision, the end of the current legally irregular situation, and the organization of a transparent and credible general assembly.
Do you believe that administrative silence in the face of court rulings undermines the credibility of sporting institutions?
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