Senegal ousmane sonko details his removal as prime minister

Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, has publicly shared his account of the events leading to his dismissal from the government. In a press statement, he recounted the conversations he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his removal.

Key exchanges after a parliamentary session

The turning point, according to Sonko, occurred on May 25. He stated that he was summoned by the head of state shortly after delivering a speech in the National Assembly.

The president reportedly expressed concerns that their continued collaboration had become untenable due to statements made during the session, which had intensified political tensions.

Sonko described the meeting as routine in tone, though it ultimately led to the discussion of ending his role at the helm of the government.

Discussions on resignation predated the dismissal

The former Prime Minister claimed that he had, on multiple occasions before the legislative elections, raised the possibility of leaving the Executive branch.

He stated that he had proposed to the president two potential paths forward: either returning to his parliamentary duties to facilitate the appointment of a new Prime Minister, or engaging in further political negotiations to reach a consensus.

According to his account, the president had rejected this proposition each time it was presented.

Warning signs of a growing rift

Sonko also revealed that he had noticed growing friction between the two leaders in the weeks leading up to his dismissal. He asserted that he had raised these concerns with the president during several earlier meetings, though no detailed plan for their separation was discussed in their final encounter.

He further emphasized that he had rejected any attempt to frame his departure as a mutually agreed-upon transition, ensuring that the public would understand the circumstances clearly.

Sudden announcement of his removal

Sonko explained that the president had indicated plans to resume talks after a previously scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations.

However, he claimed that he received notice of his dismissal in a message delivered later that evening, followed shortly after by the official announcement from the Secretary-General of the Presidency confirming his exit from the government.

A shift in Senegal’s political landscape

With his return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko is poised to embark on a new phase in his political career. This development also signals a significant shift in the relationship between the former Prime Minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose partnership had previously driven Senegal’s political transition.

His statements provide a firsthand perspective on the unfolding dynamics within Senegal’s leadership, as analysts closely monitor the evolving power dynamics in the country.