Just hours after his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko addressed the nation to clarify the events leading to his departure. The former head of government recounted the tense exchanges he claims to have had with the Head of State, painting a picture of deepening disagreements.
Sonko emphasized that the friction between him and President Faye was not a recent development. “What we’ve experienced over the past two years does not align with the vision we set out in our Project,” he stated. “That’s precisely why discussions about my potential removal had already taken place.”
Inside the presidential palace
Despite mounting tensions, Sonko had chosen to remain in his role to avoid triggering a political rupture. He recalled that following his address to Parliament last Friday, the President summoned him to the presidential palace for a private meeting.
“He made it clear that continuing our partnership would be difficult, citing statements I had made that posed challenges,” Sonko explained. “I responded by telling him the decision was ultimately his to make.”
During their discussion, Sonko insisted that their conversation was not about seeking compromise. “I told him we had not reached any agreement, and that impression should not be given,” he asserted.
Offering to step down
The former Prime Minister revealed that he had proposed resigning from his post multiple times, suggesting he could instead take a seat in the National Assembly if his presence was hindering executive operations.
“On three separate occasions, I told him: *If you believe I am overshadowing your leadership, let’s discuss it—I’ll step down and take up a seat in Parliament. We could appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF.* Each time, he declined my offer,” Sonko disclosed, noting that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these exchanges.
He went on to explain that President Faye had requested time to reflect before their next meeting. “Upon returning home, I received a message informing me he would announce his decision,” Sonko recounted.
The official announcement of his dismissal followed shortly after. “I saw Oumar Samba Ba make the announcement of my removal,” he concluded.