Tensions between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have escalated in Senegal just one week after the former Prime Minister was dismissed and a new government appointed. What began as negotiations over potential participation by members of the Pastef-Les Patriotes party in the executive team ended in failure. In an official statement released on June 1st by the party’s Executive Committee (COMEX) and shared by Ousmane Sonko on his Facebook page, Pastef confirmed that none of its officials will join the next administration.

According to the communiqué, multiple discussions took place in recent days between Pastef leaders and the Head of State to agree on the composition of the new government. The party emphasized it acted “in a spirit of responsibility” and in line with the directives set by its governing bodies. A lengthy meeting was held on the morning of June 1st between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. While some areas of agreement were identified, fundamental disagreements persisted regarding the role and influence of the majority within the executive framework.

Ongoing disputes over political leadership

Following this meeting, the COMEX convened to assess the situation. New proposals were reportedly submitted to the President, but no favorable response was received. Faced with this deadlock, the party decided to withdraw completely from the government formation process. “Pastef-Les Patriotes will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any minister,” the statement clarified.

This decision could significantly reshape Senegal’s political landscape. It comes at a time when citizens are urgently seeking solutions to pressing economic and social challenges. Despite the breakdown in talks, Pastef extended its “sincere wishes for the new team’s success,” signaling that the party intends to continue its work from the National Assembly, where Ousmane Sonko now serves as Speaker. The coming days will reveal the full impact of this latest political development at the highest level of Senegalese governance.