In a candid address following his abrupt removal from office, former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped his departure and the shifting political landscape under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar. Speaking publicly for the first time since the announcement, he disclosed details of the exchanges that allegedly strained their partnership and outlined his unexpected proposals for the nation’s future governance.
Revisiting the circumstances of his dismissal
Ousmane Sonko addressed the public on the very day his removal was confirmed, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his exit. The former head of government revealed what he claims were the key points of contention during his tenure and the contentious discussions he had with the Head of State prior to his dismissal.
Tensions at the presidential palace
According to Sonko, the rift between him and the president did not emerge overnight. He emphasized that the differences stemmed from irreconcilable visions for the country’s trajectory. « What has unfolded over the past two years no longer aligns with the vision we initially set out in our Project, » he stated. « That’s precisely why we had already discussed the possibility of my departure. »
Despite these underlying tensions, Sonko explained that he chose to remain in office to avoid triggering a political rupture. He recounted how, following his parliamentary address last Friday, the president summoned him to the presidential palace for a private meeting.
« The president conveyed that continuing our collaboration would be challenging, citing statements I had made that were deemed problematic, » Sonko recounted. « I responded that the decision ultimately rested with him. »
He further clarified that he had explicitly rejected framing their discussion as an attempt to reach a compromise. « I made it clear that no actual negotiation had taken place, and we should not misrepresent the nature of our exchange, » he asserted.
An unexpected offer to step aside
Sonko also revealed that he had proposed on multiple occasions to relinquish his role as Prime Minister in favor of a seat in the National Assembly, believing his presence might be hindering the executive’s effectiveness.
« On three separate occasions, I suggested to the president: if you believe my presence overshadows your leadership, let’s discuss it, and I will step down to join the Assembly. We could even appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF, » he explained. « Each time, he declined the offer. » Sonko noted that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these exchanges.
He went on to describe how the president requested additional time to reflect before their next meeting. « Once I returned home, he sent me a message indicating he would announce his decision shortly, » Sonko stated.
The former Prime Minister concluded by confirming that the official announcement of his dismissal followed shortly thereafter. « I soon learned of my removal when Oumar Samba Ba made the announcement, » he said.
