In a decisive press briefing on Tuesday, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party, provided a detailed account of the events leading to his removal from government. The revelation came after weeks of speculation about the nature of his break with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The confrontation unfolded when Sonko was summoned to the Presidential Palace. According to his testimony, the President expressed his belief that their political alliance could no longer endure. « He stated that he felt our partnership could not continue, » Sonko recounted, attributing the decision to public statements he had made that were deemed contentious by the administration.
Rather than accepting the dismissal passively, Sonko took a firm stance. « I made it clear to him that if he wants to dismiss me, he should take responsibility and do so directly, » he declared. His refusal to resign quietly underscores the tension between the two leaders. Sonko further disclosed that he had previously offered to step down from his ministerial position to lead the National Assembly, promising unwavering support for the President’s agenda—a proposal that was ultimately disregarded.
By framing the separation on his own terms, Sonko sought to shift the narrative. « I could not bear the burden of this break, » he emphasized, positioning himself as a leader who refused to accept blame for an outcome he did not initiate.
