In Dakar, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, held a press conference on June 2 to explain why his movement had chosen not to take part in the newly formed government announced the day before by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The announcement came after President Faye unveiled the cabinet lineup, which included only five ministers from the Pastef ranks — though none officially endorsed by the party itself. Sonko described the outcome as the result of deep-seated disagreements over both policy direction and the allocation of key ministerial portfolios.

Sonko emphasized that his party had sought assurances from the president on critical national priorities, including debt management, judicial reform, and the renegotiation of strategic contracts. However, he stated that the responses received from President Faye and his finance minister were vague and lacked concrete commitments.

Regarding debt restructuring, Sonko pointed out that the president had made no pledge regarding negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite growing economic pressures. On cost-of-living issues, Faye reportedly suggested applying “truth in pricing” to certain subsidized goods — a move Sonko described as insufficient to address immediate public concerns.

Justice and ministerial representation

The Pastef leader also underscored the party’s demand for meaningful representation in the new cabinet. He stated that his movement would not accept a government where it held fewer than half of the ministerial positions. Despite the presence of five Pastef-aligned ministers in the lineup, none were officially recognized by the party, further complicating the decision.

Sonko concluded by warning that while his party would not initiate a no-confidence motion, it would respond forcefully if the government launched any legal or political attacks against its members or policies.