Sonko accuses Diomaye of undermining Pastef in government formation

In a press conference held on June 2, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, exposed what he described as an attempt by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to sideline the party’s leadership during the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.

The accusations stem from consultations conducted by the head of state, who allegedly reached out directly to several outgoing ministers. Sonko criticized this approach, emphasizing that such interactions should flow through the party’s official structures. « Calling individual members of Pastef bypasses our organizational framework,» he stated. « Our party operates through designated leadership bodies, not ad hoc consultations.»

Alleged strategy to weaken Pastef

Sonko went further, suggesting the president’s actions were part of a deliberate plan to dismantle the party. « This is a calculated move to undermine Pastef’s unity,» he asserted. « By negotiating directly with members, Diomaye Faye seeks to fracture our movement.»

Clash over political representation

During the press briefing, Sonko also addressed claims by the president regarding his own political weight within the party. Sonko recounted a conversation where Faye asserted his prominence, to which he replied, « If he believes he is the most representative, let him hold a rally without me. If he can gather even a hundred people—starting with his own hometown of Ndiaganiao, which he cannot win—then we’ll discuss his influence.»

Sonko dismissed Faye’s assertions, stating, « His claim holds no weight within Pastef.»

Outgoing ministers’ recommendations ignored

According to Sonko, several outgoing ministers advised Prime Minister Lo to consult the party leadership before finalizing the new government. He claimed these recommendations were disregarded. « Ministers urged Al Aminou Lo to work through Pastef’s structures, but the president refused to engage with me or other designated officials,» he explained.

Sonko added that he personally urged the president to prioritize dialogue with the party’s leadership. « I called him to request consultations via Pastef’s channels,» he said. « He refused, and days later, continued contacting party members who ultimately declined to cooperate.»

Behind-the-scenes mediation

Sonko also revealed the circumstances surrounding his meeting with President Faye, which followed mediation efforts—including by the current prime minister. « After Al Aminou Lo and others intervened, the president sent me a message late Monday evening asking to meet at the Presidential Palace,» he recounted. « I agreed to arrive the next morning at 8 AM, and the meeting took place as scheduled.»