Ousmane Sonko, recently dismissed as Senegal’s Prime Minister, has come forward to share his account of the exchanges that led to his removal. Speaking publicly shortly after his ousting, the former head of government outlined the tensions that had allegedly defined his working relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar and revealed his unexpected proposals for the country’s political future.
Behind the scenes of a political rupture
In a detailed statement, Sonko described how the disagreements with the president had been building for months. « The vision we shared two years ago differs significantly from what has been implemented, » he explained. « This is precisely why my removal was already under consideration. »
Confronting differences at the Presidential Palace
The former Prime Minister acknowledged that he chose to stay in office despite growing rifts, hoping to prevent an abrupt political breakdown. He recounted how, following a heated address to the National Assembly last Friday, the president summoned him to the Presidential Palace for a private meeting.
According to Sonko’s account, President Faye-Diakhar made it clear that continuing their partnership would be challenging due to certain statements Sonko had made. « He told me that many of my public declarations were causing complications, » Sonko recalled. « I replied that the decision was ultimately his to make. »
The former Prime Minister emphasized that he had firmly rejected framing their discussion as an attempt to reach a compromise. « I told him we hadn’t reached any agreement, and it shouldn’t be portrayed as such, » he insisted.
Offering an alternative: stepping aside without leaving politics
Sonko revealed that he had, on multiple occasions, proposed stepping down from the Prime Minister’s role to take a seat in the National Assembly—if his presence was hindering the executive’s functions. « Three times, I suggested: If you believe I’m overshadowing your leadership, let’s discuss it, and I’ll move to the Assembly. We could appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF, » he stated. He added that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these exchanges.
However, the president reportedly declined each offer. Sonko continued by revealing that President Faye-Diakhar had requested a period of reflection before their next meeting. « Shortly after returning home, he messaged me to say he would announce his decision, » Sonko explained.
The former Prime Minister concluded by noting that the official announcement of his dismissal followed shortly thereafter. « I saw Oumar Samba Ba announce my removal, » he said, wrapping up his account.
