Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes events that led to his removal from office. In a candid public address, he outlined the tense interactions that culminated in his separation from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The turning point, according to Sonko, occurred on Friday, May 25, following his appearance at the National Assembly. « The President called to request a meeting,» he recounted. « Our discussion began as usual, but he later expressed concerns about the challenges posed by my statements in the Assembly. He felt they were creating significant complications for his administration.»
The ex-Prime Minister emphasized that he had repeatedly addressed the possibility of stepping down with the Head of State. « After the legislative elections, I met with him three times, with witnesses present,» Sonko stated. « I made it clear that if my presence in the Executive Branch became an obstacle, I was ready to return to the Assembly to ensure our collaboration remained constructive. However, he consistently rejected this idea.»
Sonko also revealed that he had noticed early warning signs of discord at the highest levels of government. « There were signals indicating trouble was brewing,» he noted. « I raised this with him, and by that point, I was operating under his direct supervision. Our final conversation did not cover the terms of our separation—he expected me to publicly frame our parting as amicable, which I refused to do.»
The Pastef leader outlined two potential resolutions he had proposed to the President: either his return to the Assembly to allow the majority to appoint a new Prime Minister, or continued negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Failing that, he believed the President should formally relieve him of his duties.
Sonko claimed that President Faye had indicated they would resume discussions after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. « He assured me he would reconnect upon his return,» Sonko explained. « Instead, at 8:35 PM, I received a message informing me of the decision. I accepted it as final.»
Minutes later, Sonko discovered the official announcement of his dismissal via a statement from the Secretary-General of the Presidency. « Fifteen minutes after that, I watched the announcement,» he said. « I began packing my belongings, eager to return to Keur Gorgui, a place I had missed dearly.»
