Sonko details the circumstances behind his removal from senegalese prime minister role

In a candid public address, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes events leading to his dismissal from the Senegalese government. The revelation came during a press conference where he outlined the final moments of his tenure, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Senegal.

The turning point occurred on Friday, May 25, following his participation in a session at the National Assembly. Ousmane Sonko recounted how President Bassirou Diomaye Faye summoned him for a private meeting. « During our usual discussion, the President expressed his difficulties in continuing our collaboration, citing my statements in the Assembly as a major source of complications, » Sonko explained.

This was not the first time the possibility of his departure had been discussed. According to Sonko, he had previously raised the issue with the President on multiple occasions, even in the presence of witnesses. « After the legislative elections, I met with him three times, suggesting that if my role in the Executive became an obstacle, I would willingly return to the Assembly to allow the majority to appoint a new Prime Minister, » he stated. However, the President consistently dismissed this proposal, insisting on retaining him in office.

The former Prime Minister also revealed that he had sensed growing tensions within the government for weeks. « There were clear signals of an impending crisis, which I brought to the President’s attention. Under his direction, my role at the Prime Ministry was almost entirely under his supervision, » Sonko noted. During their last conversation, the President requested that Sonko publicly frame the separation as an amicable decision. « I refused to comply, » Sonko asserted.

Sonko proposed two alternatives to the President: either his return to the Assembly to enable the majority to choose a new leader, or further negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Failing that, he argued, the President should take the decisive step of relieving him of his duties. According to his account, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye indicated that he would resume discussions after a planned visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. « He assured me he would reconnect upon his return to continue our talks, » Sonko recalled. However, the situation took an abrupt turn when the President sent a message at 8:35 PM notifying him of the decision. « I acknowledged the decree and began preparing to leave the Prime Minister’s residence, » Sonko shared.

Minutes later, the official announcement of his dismissal was made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency. « Fifteen minutes after receiving the message, I witnessed the public declaration. Immediately, I started packing my belongings to return to Keur Gorgui, a place I had longed to be, » Sonko concluded with a tone of resignation.