Ousmane Sonko, recently removed from his position as Prime Minister, has publicly advocated for meaningful dialogue to safeguard Senegal from potential political turmoil. Amidst brewing tensions following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s formation of a new government, Sonko underscored the critical importance of candid discussions for the nation’s enduring stability.
The leader of Senegal’s majority party, Ousmane Sonko, recently relieved of his duties as Prime Minister, declared that his movement’s supporters would “stand with” the newly appointed government. He specifically appealed to the Senegalese president for “constructive dialogue,” aiming to prevent the nation from “relapsing” into a period of crisis.
This marks Ousmane Sonko’s inaugural public statement since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his long-standing political ally and former comrade, removed him from office on May 22. The dismissal reportedly stemmed from irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning the management of the West African nation’s substantial national debt.
During a press conference held in Dakar, Sonko revealed that President Faye believed “certain stances I adopted recently were inconvenient and problematic.” Notably, Sonko was also elected to preside over the National Assembly on May 26.
On Monday, President Faye unveiled a new 30-member cabinet, a formation that Ousmane Sonko notably chose to distance himself from.
“A nation is a serious entity! A government carries immense responsibility! I sense that President Diomaye may not fully grasp the gravity of forming a government (…); one does not assemble a cabinet without due deliberation,” Sonko asserted critically on Tuesday evening.
“The current situation is unprecedented. We witnessed the formation of a government yesterday that lacks a foundational political base,” he further stated, expressing his view that Bassirou Diomaye Faye currently lacks “any structured, serious political legitimacy” to support his administration.
“Regardless of his preference, we find ourselves in a cohabitation scenario. He commands no single deputy within the National Assembly. He does not wield absolute power. He must descend from his high horse, and we must engage in discussions,” Sonko stressed, directly addressing the head of state.
The Pastef party (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité) controls a significant majority, holding 130 out of the 165 seats in the National Assembly.
“Our purpose is to stand by him, ensuring his success. Should Pastef choose, this government could be dissolved within 72 hours. However, we will not move to censure them. Instead, we intend to offer our support,” he affirmed.
“We must prioritize the paramount interests of this nation. Should we descend into a crisis involving dissolution or censure, foreign investment in Senegal would cease,” he cautioned. He then added, “I advocate for intelligent and constructive political dialogue. We absolutely must prevent this country from relapsing into the turmoil it has endured previously.”
Between 2021 and 2024, Senegal was gripped by protests that were brutally suppressed by the former administration of President Macky Sall. These events resulted in dozens of fatalities, predominantly young individuals who succumbed to gunshot wounds.
“However, achieving peace requires the cooperation of both sides,” Sonko stated, simultaneously condemning what he described as “provocations” allegedly targeting his supporters in recent days and urging the nation’s youth to “remain calm.”