Following his recent removal from the position of Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko is calling for a meaningful exchange to prevent Sénégal from sliding back into a state of crisis. Despite the rising friction surrounding the new administration formed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sonko stresses that honest communication is essential for the country’s peace.
The leader of the majority party confirmed that his supporters intend to assist the new government. However, he strongly urged the Sénégalaise head of state to enter into a “constructive dialogue” to ensure the nation does not face a repeat of past instability.
This marks the first time Ousmane Sonko, the head of Pastef, has spoken out since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed him on May 22. The two long-term allies reportedly split due to irreconcilable differences, particularly regarding the handling of the West African nation’s significant debt.
During a press conference held in Dakar, Sonko—who was elected President of the National Assembly on May 26—noted that the President felt certain positions he had taken recently were inconvenient. This tension led to the appointment of a new 30-member cabinet on Monday, a move that Sonko did not support.
Criticism of the new cabinet’s legitimacy
Sonko expressed sharp criticism regarding the formation of the new government, suggesting it was handled without the necessary gravity. He argued that the current administration lacks a solid political foundation and described the appointment process as lacking depth.
He emphasized that the country is effectively in a state of cohabitation. “He does not have a single deputy in the National Assembly,” Sonko remarked, referring to the President. He insisted that the executive branch must recognize the limits of its power and engage with the legislative majority.
The Pastef (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité) party currently controls 130 out of the 165 seats in the National Assembly. Despite this leverage, Sonko stated that they would not seek to censor the government immediately, but would instead offer their support to help the administration succeed.
Prioritizing national interests and investment
Sonko highlighted that the superior interests of Sénégal must come first. He warned that entering a cycle of dissolution and censorship would discourage international investors. He called for an “intelligent political dialogue” to avoid returning to the dark periods the country has previously endured.
Between 2021 and 2024, Sénégal was rocked by violent protests that were met with heavy-handed responses from the previous administration, resulting in numerous fatalities, mostly among young demonstrators. Sonko concluded by calling for peace, though he noted that reconciliation requires effort from both sides. He urged the youth to remain calm in the face of what he described as recent provocations against his followers.
