Senegal’s president requests mutual separation from prime minister Sonko

A surprising political shift has unfolded in Senegal as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye reportedly asked former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to frame their separation as a mutual decision. New revelations from Sonko’s side shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of his removal and the reasons behind his refusal.

The unexpected request and its consequences

Tensions have escalated following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s proposition to Ousmane Sonko, urging him to present their political split as an agreement reached together. In a candid account, the former head of government shares exclusive insights into his dismissal and explains why he rejected the proposal.

Sonko states that the president suggested publicly declaring their separation as having occurred “by mutual consent.” The former prime minister insists he refused, arguing that no prior discussion had taken place. “He wanted me to state we parted ways by mutual agreement, but I declined because we hadn’t even spoken about it. He made that decision unilaterally,” Sonko explained during a detailed retelling of the hours following his removal.

According to Sonko, he proposed a 24 to 48-hour window to organize the practical aspects of the transition. However, he claims the presidency proceeded immediately without consulting on the political communication surrounding the breakup.

A contested departure

In his account, Sonko, a central figure in the ruling party, describes the departure as a form of “liberation” that did not impact him politically. He emphasizes that from the start of their collaboration, he set a clear rule: never to initiate a break. Following the announcement of his dismissal, he returned home the same day and remained in silence for several days as discussions unfolded behind the scenes.

The former prime minister also reveals that after his removal, the presidency began consulting with outgoing ministers from the ruling party, Pastef. Sonko advised these officials against responding to the summons, insisting that all exchanges should go through the party’s official channels. This stance reportedly deepened the divide between the parties involved.

The standoff lasted for days until an attempt at reconnection was made. Sonko claims he proposed a meeting involving several political figures, including Birame Souleye Diop, El Malick Ndiaye, Alioune Sall, and Daouda Ngom. However, this initiative did not come to fruition.

Later discussions were reportedly held with the new Prime Minister, Al Aminou Lo, but no decisions were reached on the conditions outlined by Sonko’s camp, particularly regarding accountability, justice, and public debt management.