On June 2, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko held a press conference in Dakar to explain why his party, Pastef, declined an invitation to join the newly formed government announced the previous day by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.

Sonko highlighted deep-seated disagreements over policy priorities and ministerial portfolios as the primary reasons behind the decision. Key issues included judicial independence, fiscal transparency, and renegotiating critical national contracts—all central to Pastef’s political agenda.

During discussions with the president, Sonko sought assurances on critical matters such as debt restructuring strategies, the implementation of fair pricing policies for essential goods, and judicial reforms. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the responses received.

Sonko’s assessment of presidential responses

“All the responses were lukewarm,” Sonko stated. “The president and his finance minister confirmed no commitments regarding debt restructuring with the IMF. On purchasing power, the administration vaguely suggested applying price transparency where possible for subsidized products. As for justice, the president claimed Senegal already has the world’s best judicial system—hardly a reassuring stance.”

Regarding ministerial appointments, Sonko emphasized that Pastef would not participate in a government unless granted a significant share of key portfolios. “We cannot accept a setup where our party holds less than half the ministries,” he asserted.

While acknowledging the new government includes five ministers from Pastef ranks—though not officially recognized by the party—Sonko warned against any retaliatory measures. “We will not initiate a no-confidence motion unless the president’s team takes the first aggressive step against us,” he concluded.