In a candid address, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, provided his account of the events leading to his dismissal from the head of government. During the public statement, he recounted a pivotal conversation with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye that preceded his removal.
Key meeting follows parliamentary address
Sonko described May 25 as a turning point in the timeline. He explained that he was summoned by the Head of State shortly after delivering a speech at the National Assembly. According to his version, the president expressed difficulty continuing their collaboration, citing statements made during the parliamentary session as the cause of growing tensions.
The exchange, he noted, unfolded in a familiar diplomatic setting before the discussion naturally shifted toward the conclusion of their working relationship at the highest level of government.
Early discussions on resignation
The former prime minister claimed that the possibility of leaving the Executive branch had been broached multiple times since the legislative elections. He maintained that he had himself suggested alternatives to the president—either returning to his parliamentary role to allow for a new prime minister’s appointment, or engaging in further political negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Yet, he insisted that the president had consistently dismissed the idea up to that point.
Signs of strain in executive relations
Sonko revealed that he had noticed early indicators of a rift between the two leaders over recent weeks. He stated that he had raised these concerns with the president during several meetings, though he emphasized that no detailed discussion about the terms of their separation took place during their final interaction.
He went on to clarify that he had refused to endorse any official narrative portraying his departure as a smooth, consensus-driven transition.
Sudden notice of dismissal
According to Sonko, the president indicated plans to resume talks after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. However, he later received a message that same evening informing him of the decision to remove him from office.
Within minutes, the official announcement confirming his dismissal was broadcast by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, marking the end of his tenure as Prime Minister.
A new political phase begins
With his anticipated return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko signals the start of a fresh chapter in his political career. The transition also underscores a significant shift in the dynamic between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose political alliance had previously driven Senegal’s historic political shift.
His statements offer a firsthand perspective amid ongoing scrutiny of evolving power dynamics within Senegal’s government.
