Ousmane Sonko, the influential leader of Pastef, has brought to light fresh details concerning his relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, particularly regarding the intricate process of forming the new government led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo. These revelations offer a rare glimpse into the dynamics of Senegal’s current political landscape.
During a press conference held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister openly criticized what he perceives as a deliberate attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established governing bodies during consultations for the new governmental team. This move, he indicated, has created significant internal friction within the ruling party.
Sonko asserted that President Faye directly contacted several outgoing ministers on an individual basis for governmental appointments. This approach, according to Sonko, contravenes the fundamental operational principles of Pastef. He stated, “Numerous outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually contact Pastef members. We are an organized party with defined leadership structures.”
For Ousmane Sonko, this method was not merely an oversight but a calculated strategy designed to undermine the political party in power. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” Sonko firmly declared.
The Pastef leader also recounted a pivotal discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political standing within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, responding that he should simply organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko asserted, adding pointedly, “He holds no representative weight within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former government chief revealed that several outgoing ministers had advised the incoming Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. A suggestion that, Sonko claims, went unheeded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult through the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained, highlighting the growing rift in Senegal’s Africa politics English sphere.
Ousmane Sonko further stated that he personally attempted to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s established structures. “I called him by phone to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who, in turn, declined his overtures,” he detailed, offering a glimpse into critical African news today.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation efforts, notably involving the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met following mediation by Al Aminou Lo and other individuals. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I could not come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting took place,” Sonko concluded.
During a press conference held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister openly criticized what he perceives as a deliberate attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established governing bodies during consultations for the new governmental team. This move, he indicated, has created significant internal friction within the ruling party.
Sonko asserted that President Faye directly contacted several outgoing ministers on an individual basis for governmental appointments. This approach, according to Sonko, contravenes the fundamental operational principles of Pastef. He stated, “Numerous outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually contact Pastef members. We are an organized party with defined leadership structures.”
For Ousmane Sonko, this method was not merely an oversight but a calculated strategy designed to undermine the political party in power. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” Sonko firmly declared.
The Pastef leader also recounted a pivotal discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political standing within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, responding that he should simply organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko asserted, adding pointedly, “He holds no representative weight within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former government chief revealed that several outgoing ministers had advised the incoming Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. A suggestion that, Sonko claims, went unheeded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult through the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained, highlighting the growing rift in Senegal’s Africa politics English sphere.
Ousmane Sonko further stated that he personally attempted to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s established structures. “I called him by phone to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who, in turn, declined his overtures,” he detailed, offering a glimpse into critical African news today.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances surrounding his eventual meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation efforts, notably involving the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met following mediation by Al Aminou Lo and other individuals. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I could not come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting took place,” Sonko concluded.
