The political landscape in Senegal has been marked by unexpected developments following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s request to former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The outgoing leader has shared exclusive insights into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, revealing a decision he describes as unilateral and unanticipated.

In a candid account, Ousmane Sonko disclosed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged him to frame their political separation as a mutual agreement—a proposition he firmly rejected. The former Prime Minister emphasized that no prior discussion had taken place, asserting that the decision was made without his consent.

According to his testimony, the President proposed a 24 to 48-hour window to finalize practical arrangements, yet the process moved forward without any prior consultation on the political messaging surrounding the split. Sonko’s refusal to comply with the request underscores the friction between the two leaders, who had previously collaborated closely within the same political camp.

Unilateral departure sparks debate over political etiquette

Ousmane Sonko has framed his departure as a form of liberation, insisting that the decision did not impact him politically. He recounted establishing a clear principle at the outset of their partnership: avoiding responsibility for any potential rupture. Following the announcement of his dismissal, he returned home the same day, initiating a period of silence between the involved parties.

The former Prime Minister also highlighted a subsequent phase linked to the formation of a new government. He claimed that the presidency had begun consulting outgoing ministers from the ruling party, Pastef. Sonko advised these individuals against engaging in these discussions, insisting that all exchanges should follow official party channels—a stance that reportedly deepened the divide.

This impasse persisted for several days before an attempt at reconnection was made. Sonko proposed a meeting involving key political figures, including Birame Souleye Diop, El Malick Ndiaye, Alioune Sall, and Daouda Ngom. However, this initiative did not come to fruition.

The final negotiations, as per his account, were later conducted with the new Prime Minister, Al Aminou Lo. Crucially, no resolution was reached on critical issues raised by Sonko’s camp, such as accountability, debt management, and legal proceedings.