Ousmane Sonko, the esteemed leader of the Pastef party, has unveiled new insights into his relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His recent statements specifically address the intricate process that culminated in the establishment of the new government, now under the leadership of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.
During a press briefing held on Tuesday, June 2, the former Prime Minister voiced his strong disapproval, characterizing the President’s actions as an attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership bodies during the consultations for the new governmental team. This, he suggested, was a deliberate move in the complex landscape of African politics.
Sonko elaborated that numerous outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the Head of State for these consultations. He views this approach as fundamentally at odds with the party’s organized structure. “Many outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot simply contact Pastef members individually. We operate as an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he firmly stated.
According to Ousmane Sonko, this particular methodology served a strategic purpose: to destabilize and diminish the political party currently in power. “This is a clear strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he sought to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” Sonko asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a significant discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political influence within the party. “During one meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, suggesting he organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we can talk. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko declared, adding emphatically, “He holds no representative standing within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former head of government affirmed that several outgoing ministers advised the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. A suggestion that, in Sonko’s view, went unheeded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult through the Pastef party president. However, he declined to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Ousmane Sonko also revealed his own efforts to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with the party’s official structures. “I called him to request that he go through Pastef to consult with the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. Days later, he continued to contact individual ministers and party officials, who subsequently declined his offers,” he stated.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred following mediation efforts spearheaded by the current Prime Minister and other individuals. “Ultimately, we met after mediation by Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1) asking me to visit the Palace. I responded that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the following day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting finally took place,” he recounted.
During a press briefing held on Tuesday, June 2, the former Prime Minister voiced his strong disapproval, characterizing the President’s actions as an attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership bodies during the consultations for the new governmental team. This, he suggested, was a deliberate move in the complex landscape of African politics.
Sonko elaborated that numerous outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the Head of State for these consultations. He views this approach as fundamentally at odds with the party’s organized structure. “Many outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot simply contact Pastef members individually. We operate as an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he firmly stated.
According to Ousmane Sonko, this particular methodology served a strategic purpose: to destabilize and diminish the political party currently in power. “This is a clear strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he sought to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” Sonko asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a significant discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political influence within the party. “During one meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, suggesting he organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we can talk. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko declared, adding emphatically, “He holds no representative standing within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former head of government affirmed that several outgoing ministers advised the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. A suggestion that, in Sonko’s view, went unheeded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult through the Pastef party president. However, he declined to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Ousmane Sonko also revealed his own efforts to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with the party’s official structures. “I called him to request that he go through Pastef to consult with the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. Days later, he continued to contact individual ministers and party officials, who subsequently declined his offers,” he stated.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred following mediation efforts spearheaded by the current Prime Minister and other individuals. “Ultimately, we met after mediation by Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1) asking me to visit the Palace. I responded that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the following day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting finally took place,” he recounted.
