Ousmane Sonko details his departure from Senegal’s Prime Ministry
Senegal’s former Prime Minister and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, Ousmane Sonko, has publicly shared his account of the events leading to his removal from office. In a recent statement, he outlined the discussions he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.
Key meeting triggers rapid political shift
According to Sonko, the decisive moment came on May 25, following his address to the National Assembly. He recounts being summoned by the Head of State, who expressed concerns about the tensions arising from certain statements made during his parliamentary speech.
The former head of government emphasized that the conversation unfolded in a typical setting, yet concluded with the President indicating that continuing their collaboration would prove challenging. This exchange, he asserts, ultimately led to the discussion of ending their partnership at the highest echelon of power.
Preemptive considerations of resignation
Sonko maintains that the possibility of leaving the Executive branch had been broached multiple times since the legislative elections. He claims to have proposed to the President either a return to his parliamentary role to facilitate the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or further negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable political solution.
However, he insists that the President had consistently dismissed this option until their final meeting.
Growing rifts in the corridors of power
The PASTEF leader reveals that signs of strain between the two leaders had been evident for weeks. He admits to having alerted the President to these difficulties during several encounters, though he notes that no concrete plans for their separation were discussed in their most recent talk.
Sonko also rejects any portrayal of his departure as a harmonious consensus, firmly stating that such a narrative lacks foundation.
Sudden announcement of dismissal
According to his version of events, the President indicated plans to revisit their talks after a planned visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. Yet, Sonko claims he received a late-night notification informing him of the decision against him.
Shortly afterward, he states, the official announcement confirming his removal from government was made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
A new political landscape
With his anticipated return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko signals a fresh phase in his political journey. This development also marks a significant shift in relations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously facilitated Senegal’s political transition. His statements offer a firsthand perspective amid ongoing scrutiny of the evolving power dynamics within the Senegalese government.
