Ousmane Sonko outlines his departure from Senegal’s Prime Minister role

Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, has publicly shared his account of the events leading to his dismissal from the government. In a detailed statement, he recounted the conversations he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his removal from office.

Key meeting triggers resignation after parliamentary address

Sonko stated that the decisive moment came on May 25, when he was summoned by the President following his speech in the National Assembly. According to his version of events, the Head of State expressed concerns about continuing their collaboration, citing the tension sparked by certain remarks made during the parliamentary session.

The former Prime Minister emphasized that the discussion unfolded in a calm atmosphere but ultimately led to the inevitable conclusion: the end of their working relationship at the highest level of government.

Early discussions about potential exit

Sonko claimed he had previously raised the possibility of leaving the Executive branch after the legislative elections. He stated he had presented two options to the President: either returning to his parliamentary mandate to enable the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or engaging in further talks to reach a mutually acceptable political solution.

However, he asserted that the President had consistently dismissed this idea until their final meeting.

Growing signs of discord in the government

The PASTEF leader revealed that for weeks, he had noticed escalating tensions between the two leaders of the Executive branch. He mentioned having alerted the President to these difficulties during several encounters, though he noted that no concrete discussion took place regarding the terms of their eventual separation in their last meeting.

Sonko also revealed his refusal to endorse a political narrative portraying his departure as a harmonious transition.

Official announcement of dismissal

According to his account, the President had indicated plans to resume discussions after a planned visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations. Yet, Sonko stated that he received a message later that evening informing him of the decision against him.

Shortly after, he learned of the official announcement made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, confirming his exit from the government.

A new phase in Senegal’s political landscape

With his anticipated return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko is set to embark on a fresh chapter in his political career. This development also marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously facilitated Senegal’s political transition.

The statements from the former government leader provide his perspective on the events, amid ongoing scrutiny from observers tracking the evolving dynamics within Senegal’s political power structures.