In a candid public statement, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the events leading to his dismissal from government. Speaking directly to the nation, he outlined the tense exchanges that unfolded with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, culminating in the abrupt end of his tenure.
An unexpected conversation with the President
The decisive moment came on May 25, shortly after Sonko’s address to the National Assembly. President Faye contacted him, requesting an immediate meeting. During their discussion, the President expressed his concerns about the fallout from Sonko’s parliamentary statements, which he deemed problematic for the government’s cohesion.
Sonko, who had previously broached the idea of stepping down, recounted multiple conversations with the head of state. “After the legislative elections, I met with him three times, in the presence of witnesses,” he revealed. “I made it clear that if my role in the Executive was hindering his agenda, I could return to the Assembly to allow the majority to appoint a new Prime Minister.” However, the President consistently rejected this proposal, leaving the situation unresolved.
Signals of a brewing crisis
Sonko also revealed that he had noticed growing tensions within the government in the weeks leading up to his dismissal. “There were signs of an impending crisis,” he noted. “I raised this with the President, who assured me he would address it.” Yet, their final exchange did not address the mechanics of their separation. Instead, the President urged Sonko to frame the departure as an amicable parting of ways—a request the leader refused to comply with.
Two paths forward—and a final decision
Sonko outlined two possible resolutions to the impasse: either he would return to the Assembly to facilitate the appointment of a successor, or the two leaders would engage in further negotiations to reach a consensus. If neither option materialized, he insisted that the President should make the decisive call to remove him from office.
According to his account, President Faye had indicated plans to resume discussions after a state visit to Dakar’s Archbishop for Pentecost celebrations. “He told me he would reconnect with me upon his return,” Sonko explained. “Instead, at 8:35 PM, I received a message informing me of my dismissal.” He accepted the decision without protest.
The former Prime Minister described how he later learned of the official announcement through a statement released by the Secretary-General of the Presidency. “Fifteen minutes later, I read the declaration. I began packing my belongings to return to the Keur Gorgui residence—a place I had deeply missed,” he concluded.
