Sonko reveals details of his dismissal from Senegal’s government

In a revealing press conference held this Tuesday, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party, provided unprecedented clarity on the circumstances surrounding his abrupt removal from government. The announcement comes after weeks of intense speculation about the nature of his separation from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Sonko recounted how the President summoned him to the Presidential Palace, where Faye directly communicated that their “partnership could no longer continue.” The head of state cited several of Sonko’s public statements as problematic, though the opposition leader chose not to challenge the decision.

With firm resolve, Sonko stated his refusal to accept responsibility for the split: “I told him that if he wanted to dismiss me, he should simply take ownership of his decision and proceed.” The patriotic leader emphasized his willingness to step aside, adding that he had previously offered to resign from his ministerial position to assume the leadership of the National Assembly while pledging continued support for the administration—a proposal that went unheeded.

This latest political development underscores the growing tensions between key figures within Senegal’s leadership, with Sonko positioning himself as a figure who refuses to be forced into an untenable position.