Ousmane Sonko recounts events leading to his resignation as Senegal’s prime minister
The former Senegalese Prime Minister and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, Ousmane Sonko, has publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding his departure from the head of government. In a statement, he described the exchanges he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.
Key meeting follows parliamentary address
Ousmane Sonko revealed that events took a decisive turn on May 25, when he was summoned by the Head of State following his speech in the National Assembly. According to his account, the president indicated that continuing their collaboration had become challenging, citing remarks made during the parliamentary session as a source of significant tension.
The former prime minister described the discussion as taking place in a routine atmosphere before the possibility of ending their collaboration at the highest level of the state was broached.
Early discussions on potential resignation
Sonko maintained that he had repeatedly raised the possibility of leaving the Executive after the legislative elections. He claimed to have proposed to the president either returning to his parliamentary mandate to allow for the appointment of a new prime minister or continuing negotiations to find a consensus-based political solution.
However, he asserted that the president had up to that point dismissed this notion.
Growing strains within the government
The PASTEF leader stated that he had observed warning signs of a rift between the two heads of the Executive over several weeks. He claimed to have raised these concerns with the president during multiple meetings, though he noted that no detailed discussion on the modalities of their separation took place during their final encounter.
Sonko also emphasized that he refused to endorse any political communication framing his departure as a consensual break.
Official dismissal announced
According to his version of events, the president indicated that further discussions would resume after a planned visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations. However, Sonko stated that he received a message that same evening informing him of the decision against him.
Minutes later, he said he learned of the official announcement confirming his departure from the government, made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
A new chapter in Senegalese politics
With his anticipated return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko is set to embark on a new phase in his political career. This development also signifies a significant shift in relations between the former prime minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had facilitated the political transition in Senegal.
The former head of government’s statements provide his perspective on the events as observers continue to closely monitor the evolving power dynamics within Senegal’s leadership.