Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, has publicly shared his account of the events leading to his removal from office. In a recent statement, he detailed a conversation he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.

Key discussions after a parliamentary address

Sonko stated that tensions escalated on May 25, when he was summoned by the Head of State following a speech he delivered in Parliament. According to his version of events, the President expressed concerns about the growing divisions caused by certain statements made during the session.

The meeting, he explained, unfolded in a routine manner before the subject of their collaboration at the highest level of government was broached. Sonko emphasized that the discussion remained civil but ultimately led to the conclusion that their working relationship could no longer continue.

Early hints of a potential exit

The former Prime Minister revealed that he had, on multiple occasions, raised the possibility of leaving the Executive after the legislative elections. He claimed to have proposed two options to the President: either returning to his parliamentary role to allow for the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or engaging in further negotiations to reach a political consensus.

Sonko maintained that the President had, up until then, dismissed this idea. He also noted that signs of strain between the two had been evident for weeks, as he had previously warned the President about these growing difficulties during several meetings.

Rejection of a forced narrative

Despite claims circulating about a consensual departure, Sonko firmly denied endorsing any narrative that painted his exit as harmonious. He insisted that the final decision was communicated to him abruptly, without prior discussion on the terms of their separation.

The final announcement

According to Sonko, the President had indicated plans to resume talks after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. However, the former Prime Minister received a message that same evening informing him of the decision against him. Minutes later, the official announcement of his dismissal was made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.

A new political phase

With his return to Parliament, Sonko marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in his political career. This transition also signals a significant shift in the dynamic between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously driven Senegal’s political transition. Observers continue to monitor the evolving power dynamics within Senegal’s government as this new phase unfolds.