The former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, Ousmane Sonko, has publicly outlined the events leading to his dismissal from the government. In a recent statement, he recounted the conversations he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before his removal from office.
Key meeting triggers political transition
Sonko revealed that the decisive moment occurred on May 25, following his address to the National Assembly. He stated that he was summoned by the Head of State shortly after delivering his speech in the legislative chamber.
According to his account, the President expressed concerns about the growing tensions stemming from certain statements made during the parliamentary session. The discussion, Sonko noted, unfolded in a routine manner before turning to the possibility of ending their collaboration at the highest level of government.
Long-suspected exit becomes reality
The former Prime Minister asserted that the idea of leaving the Executive had been discussed multiple times since the legislative elections. He claimed to have suggested two possible paths to the President: returning to his parliamentary role to enable the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or continuing negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable political solution.
However, Sonko maintained that the President had consistently dismissed this proposition in previous exchanges.
Signs of strain in the executive branch
Sonko also revealed that he had observed growing signs of tension between the two leaders over recent weeks. He stated that he had raised these concerns with the President during several meetings, though no detailed plans were discussed regarding the modalities of their separation during their final encounter.
He further emphasized that he refused to endorse any political narrative portraying his departure as a harmonious transition.
Sudden dismissal follows religious engagement
The former Prime Minister disclosed that the President had indicated plans to resume discussions after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. Yet, Sonko claimed he received a message later that evening informing him of the decision to remove him from office.
Within minutes, he became aware of the official announcement made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, confirming his exit from the government.
New political chapter unfolds
With his anticipated return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko signals a fresh phase in his political journey. This development also marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose partnership had previously driven Senegal’s political transition.
The statements from the former head of government provide his perspective in a context where analysts remain closely monitoring the evolving dynamics within Senegal’s leadership.
