Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his abrupt dismissal from the helm of government. In a candid public address, he shared his firsthand account of the events leading to his separation from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Key moments in the final days

Sonko revealed that the decisive conversation took place on Friday, May 25, shortly after he addressed the National Assembly. The President reached out, requesting a meeting. “During our discussion, he expressed the difficulty in continuing our collaboration,” Sonko explained, citing ongoing tensions stemming from statements I made in Parliament. The exchange concluded with an implicit understanding that their working relationship had reached an impasse.

Repeated attempts to resolve differences

The former head of government emphasized that he had proactively raised the possibility of stepping down on multiple occasions. “After the legislative elections, I met with the President three times, in the presence of witnesses,” he stated. “I made it clear that if my role in the Executive became an obstacle to his agenda, I was prepared to return to the Assembly so our partnership could continue smoothly.” However, the President consistently rejected this proposal, leaving Sonko with no alternative but to accept the inevitable.

Sonko also disclosed that warning signs had emerged weeks earlier, hinting at a growing rift at the highest levels of government. “I sensed the tensions and addressed them directly with the President,” he noted. “Under his oversight, I operated with limited autonomy in the Prime Minister’s office.” Their final discussion did not address the terms of their separation. Instead, the President insisted Sonko publicly frame the departure as a mutual agreement—an offer he firmly declined.

Two paths proposed, one inevitable outcome

Faced with this uncompromising stance, Sonko proposed two possible resolutions: either his return to the Assembly, allowing the majority to appoint a new Prime Minister, or further negotiations to find a consensus. Failing that, he argued, the President would need to formally relieve him of his duties. “I left the decision in his hands,” he asserted.

According to Sonko, the President had indicated plans to resume talks after a scheduled visit to Dakar’s Archbishop during Pentecost celebrations. “He assured me we would reconnect upon his return,” Sonko recalled. “Yet, at precisely 8:35 PM, a message arrived informing me of the decision. I accepted it without protest.”

The announcement that followed

Minutes later, the official announcement of his dismissal was broadcast by the Secretary-General of the Presidency. “Within 15 minutes, I saw the formal statement,” Sonko shared. “I began packing my belongings to return to Keur Gorgui, a place I had longed for during my time in office.”