Senegal’s former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has broken his silence following his abrupt dismissal from the head of government, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes tensions that marked his working relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar. Speaking publicly shortly after his removal, Sonko outlined the exchanges he claims defined their collaboration and revealed unexpected proposals for the country’s political future.

In a candid address, the PASTEF leader traced the roots of their disagreements back months. « What we’ve experienced over the past two years differs from the original vision outlined in our Project, » he stated. « That’s precisely why discussions about my removal were already underway. »

High-stakes meeting at the Presidential Palace

Despite the growing rift, Sonko emphasized that he chose to remain in office to avoid triggering a political rupture. Reflecting on recent events, he revealed that following a parliamentary address last Friday, the President summoned him to the Presidential Palace for a private meeting.

« He made it clear that continuing our partnership would prove difficult due to statements I had made that were causing complications, » Sonko recounted. « I told him the decision was entirely his. »

During the encounter, Sonko stressed that he refused to frame the discussion as an attempt to reach a compromise. « I told him we hadn’t negotiated anything, and it shouldn’t be presented that way, » he insisted.

Relinquishing the premiership

The former head of government also disclosed that he had repeatedly offered to step down from the Prime Minister’s role and instead take up a seat in the National Assembly, should his presence hinder the executive’s operations.

« On three separate occasions, I proposed: if you believe I’m overshadowing your leadership, let’s discuss it and I’ll transition to the Assembly. We could appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF. Each time, he declined my offer, » Sonko explained, adding that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these exchanges.

Continuing his account, Sonko revealed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had requested time to reflect before their next meeting. « Once I returned home, he messaged me to say he would announce the decision he had made, » he stated.

The announcement of his dismissal followed shortly after. « I later saw Oumar Samba Ba make the official announcement, » Sonko concluded.