Senegal’s former Prime Minister and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, Ousmane Sonko, has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his abrupt departure from the head of government. In a detailed account, he outlined the exchanges he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his removal from office.

Key discussion follows national assembly intervention

Sonko revealed that the pivotal moment occurred on May 25, when he was summoned by the Head of State shortly after delivering a speech in the National Assembly. According to his statement, the president expressed difficulty in continuing their collaboration, citing the controversial remarks made during the parliamentary session as the root cause of growing tensions.

The former Prime Minister described the conversation as amicable yet decisive, ultimately leading to the discussion of ending their partnership at the highest level of government.

A possibility raised before the legislative elections

Sonko maintained that he had previously suggested the idea of stepping down from his executive position after the legislative elections. He claimed to have proposed two potential paths to the president: either returning to his parliamentary duties to enable the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or engaging in further negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable political solution.

However, he noted that the president had consistently dismissed this proposition until their final meeting.

Signs of strain in the executive branch

The PASTEF leader stated that he had observed early indicators of a rift between the two leaders over the past few weeks. He recounted having raised these concerns with the president during multiple encounters, though he admitted that no in-depth dialogue on the terms of their separation took place during their last discussion.

Sonko also emphasized his refusal to endorse any official narrative portraying his departure as a harmonious transition.

Official removal announced shortly after

He recounted that the president had indicated plans to resume talks following a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations. Yet, Sonko revealed that he received a notification later that evening informing him of the decision against him.

Minutes afterward, he became aware of the official announcement issued by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, confirming his dismissal from the government.

A fresh chapter in Senegal’s political landscape

With his return to the National Assembly now confirmed, Ousmane Sonko is poised to embark on a new phase in his political career. This development also signals a significant shift in the dynamic between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously facilitated Senegal’s political transition.

His account provides a firsthand perspective amid ongoing scrutiny of the evolving power dynamics within Senegal’s government.