Ousmane Sonko exposes internal Pastef tensions over government formation
Ousmane Sonko, the esteemed president of Pastef, has brought to light fresh details concerning his working relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. These revelations specifically touch upon the intricate process that led to the establishment of the new government, now under the leadership of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.
During a press briefing held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister voiced strong criticism, perceiving a deliberate effort to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership structures during consultations for the formation of the new cabinet.
He indicated that the Head of State personally contacted numerous outgoing ministers. Sonko deemed this approach to be in direct opposition to the fundamental operational principles of the party. “Many outgoing ministers were contacted for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually call members of Pastef. We are an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he asserted.
For Ousmane Sonko, this methodology constituted a calculated maneuver designed to undermine the ruling political entity. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” he affirmed.
The Pastef leader also recounted a specific discussion he claims to have had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political standing within the party. “During a meeting, he declared that he was the most representative figure in Pastef. I responded that he should simply organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune which he cannot even win,” Sonko stated, adding emphatically, “He possesses no representative authority within Pastef.”
The former head of government further claimed that several outgoing ministers advised the incoming Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. This suggestion, he noted, was ultimately disregarded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should liaise through the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me, as well as with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko elaborated.
Ousmane Sonko also asserted that he endeavored to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with the party’s official structures. “I called him on the phone to ask him to consult with outgoing ministers through Pastef. However, he maintained his stance. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who, in turn, declined his overtures,” he declared.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly took place after mediation efforts, notably by the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after mediation by Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I could not come immediately, but would be there the following day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting transpired,” he recounted.
During a press briefing held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister voiced strong criticism, perceiving a deliberate effort to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership structures during consultations for the formation of the new cabinet.
He indicated that the Head of State personally contacted numerous outgoing ministers. Sonko deemed this approach to be in direct opposition to the fundamental operational principles of the party. “Many outgoing ministers were contacted for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually call members of Pastef. We are an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he asserted.
For Ousmane Sonko, this methodology constituted a calculated maneuver designed to undermine the ruling political entity. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” he affirmed.
The Pastef leader also recounted a specific discussion he claims to have had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political standing within the party. “During a meeting, he declared that he was the most representative figure in Pastef. I responded that he should simply organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune which he cannot even win,” Sonko stated, adding emphatically, “He possesses no representative authority within Pastef.”
The former head of government further claimed that several outgoing ministers advised the incoming Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. This suggestion, he noted, was ultimately disregarded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should liaise through the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me, as well as with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko elaborated.
Ousmane Sonko also asserted that he endeavored to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with the party’s official structures. “I called him on the phone to ask him to consult with outgoing ministers through Pastef. However, he maintained his stance. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who, in turn, declined his overtures,” he declared.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly took place after mediation efforts, notably by the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after mediation by Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I could not come immediately, but would be there the following day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting transpired,” he recounted.