In a candid address, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of PASTEF-Les Patriotes, shed light on the circumstances surrounding his abrupt exit from the head of government. The political figure recounted a pivotal conversation he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.
Key meeting follows parliamentary address
Sonko dates the turning point to May 25, when he was summoned by the Head of State shortly after delivering a speech on the national assembly floor. According to his account, the president expressed reservations about continuing their collaboration, citing the controversial nature of certain statements made during the session.
The discussion, he asserts, unfolded in a seemingly routine manner before the inevitable topic arose: the end of their partnership at the helm of the executive branch.
Early hints of a potential exit
The former premier insists he had floated the idea of stepping down from his ministerial post on multiple occasions following the legislative elections. He claims to have offered two potential paths forward to the president: either returning to his parliamentary duties to pave the way for a new prime minister, or engaging in further negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable political resolution.
Yet, he maintains, the president had consistently dismissed these proposals until that decisive day.
Growing strains in the executive
Sonko reveals he had detected mounting tensions between the two leaders over recent weeks. He states he had raised concerns with the president during several meetings, though no concrete plans regarding their separation were discussed during their final exchange.
The political figure also denies endorsing any narrative that framed his departure as a harmonious conclusion to their joint efforts.
Sudden announcement of dismissal
According to Sonko, the president indicated plans to revisit their talks after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. However, the former prime minister claims he received a late-night notification informing him of the decision against him.
Minutes later, he became aware of the official announcement confirming his removal from office, made by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
A fresh chapter in Senegalese politics
With his impending return to the national assembly, Ousmane Sonko signals a new phase in his political trajectory. This development also marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former premier and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously reshaped Senegal’s political landscape through a historic transition of power.
The statements from the ex-head of government provide his perspective amid ongoing scrutiny of the evolving power dynamics within Senegal’s leadership.
