In a decisive move announced through his official social media channels, Ousmane Sonko, leader of PASTEF-Les Patriotes, has declared his party will not participate in Senegal’s next government. The announcement follows extensive consultations between Sonko and the President of the Republic, which ultimately failed to resolve key disagreements.
Key disagreements prevent coalition
During a lengthy meeting earlier today, Sonko and the President confirmed areas of alignment but also highlighted significant points of contention. « The discussions centered on the role and positioning of the majority within the executive structure, yet crucial details about this framework remain unclear, » Sonko stated. Following internal party deliberations, new proposals were submitted to the President but received no favorable response.
PASTEF’s official statement
The announcement was accompanied by a formal statement from PASTEF’s Executive Committee (COMEX):
Statement from PASTEF-Les Patriotes Executive Committee
In a spirit of responsibility and in line with the commitments of PASTEF’s Executive Committee (COMEX), reiterated by President Ousmane Sonko during his parliamentary installation, the party engaged in multiple exchanges with the President of the Republic to discuss the formation of the new government.
The meeting this morning between the President of the Republic and President Ousmane Sonko confirmed both convergences and, more importantly, significant disagreements regarding the role and place of the majority within the executive framework—details of which remain undisclosed.
After presenting new proposals to the President following internal party review, no favorable response was received.
As a result, PASTEF-Les Patriotes will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any minister.
Further updates will follow.
We extend our full support to the new team.
PASTEF Executive Committee (COMEX)
Dakar, June 1, 2026
This firm stance reflects PASTEF’s commitment to its principles and ongoing efforts to clarify the political landscape in Senegal.
