Moments after his removal from the Prime Minister’s position, Ousmane Sonko shared his perspective on the events leading to his dismissal. The former head of government recounted the exchanges he claims to have had with the President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar, in a rare public statement.

Long-standing disagreements fuel political rift

According to Sonko, the tensions between him and the President have been brewing for some time. “What we have experienced over the past two years differs significantly from the vision we had outlined in our Project,” he stated. “This is why discussions about my removal were already underway.”

High-stakes meeting at the Presidential Palace

Despite the growing divide, Sonko chose to remain in his role to avoid triggering a political rupture. He revealed that after his address to the National Assembly last Friday, the President summoned him to the Presidential Palace for a private meeting.

“He told me that continuing our partnership would be challenging due to statements I had made that posed issues,” Sonko explained. “I replied that the decision ultimately rested with him.”

During the discussion, Sonko made it clear that their exchange was not intended as a negotiation. “I told him we hadn’t discussed anything and that it shouldn’t be portrayed as a consensus-building session,” he insisted.

Unexpected offer to step down

The former Prime Minister went on to reveal that he had proposed leaving the Prime Minister’s office on multiple occasions, suggesting he could transition to the National Assembly instead. “On three separate occasions, I offered to resign and take up a seat in Parliament if my presence was hindering the executive’s work,” he said.

“Each time, I suggested we could appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF. However, he declined my proposal.” Sonko noted that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these exchanges and could corroborate his account.

He continued by stating that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had requested time to reflect before their next meeting. “Upon returning home, he messaged me to inform me of the decision he had made,” Sonko revealed.

The former Prime Minister concluded by describing how his dismissal was announced shortly thereafter. “I witnessed Oumar Samba Ba announce my removal from office,” he said.