In a revealing public address, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes events that led to his abrupt dismissal from the helm of Senegal’s government. Speaking candidly, he outlined the final moments of his collaboration with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the pivotal decisions that reshaped the country’s political landscape.
According to Sonko, the decisive conversation unfolded on the evening of May 25, shortly after his appearance at the National Assembly. President Faye requested a meeting, during which he expressed his concerns about the Prime Minister’s recent statements in parliament. Sonko recalled, “He told me it would be extremely difficult to continue our partnership, citing the issues my parliamentary remarks had stirred up.”
The former head of government revealed that he had, on multiple occasions before this meeting, suggested the possibility of stepping down. Sonko stated, “After the legislative elections, I met with the President three times, with witnesses present. I made it clear that if my role in the Executive Branch was hindering his agenda, I could return to the Assembly to ensure our collaboration remained productive. However, he consistently dismissed the idea.”
Sonko also disclosed that he had noticed growing tensions within the government for weeks. “There were signs of an impending crisis. I brought this to his attention, but under his supervision at the Prime Ministry, our final discussion did not address the terms of my departure. He expected me to accept the decision graciously and issue a statement confirming we parted amicably. I refused.”
The former Prime Minister proposed two alternatives to the President: either return to the Assembly to allow the majority to appoint a new head of government, or engage in further negotiations to reach a mutual agreement. If neither option materialized, he argued, the President would need to take direct responsibility for relieving him of his duties. Sonko explained, “I wanted clarity—either we resolve this together, or he makes the final call.”
He recounted that President Faye had promised to revisit the matter after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. “He said he would reconnect with me upon his return to continue our talks,” Sonko shared. “Instead, at 8:35 PM, I received a message informing me of the decision. I accepted it as final.”
The former Prime Minister described the moment he learned of his dismissal through an official statement from the Secretary-General of the Presidency. “Fifteen minutes later, I saw the announcement. I began packing my belongings, eager to return to Keur Gorgui, a place that had felt like home.”
