Sonko alleges Faye’s strategy to undermine Pastef amid government formation

Dakar — Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, has exposed what he describes as a deliberate effort by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to marginalize the party’s leadership during the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.

The revelations came during a press conference on June 2, where Sonko criticized the president’s approach to consultations with outgoing ministers. He argued that individual meetings with party members bypassed Pastef’s formal structures, which he insists must oversee all major decisions.

Controversial consultations

Sonko claimed that several former ministers were contacted directly by the head of state, a process he condemned as inconsistent with the party’s organizational principles. « You cannot consult Pastef members one by one. Our party operates through designated bodies, not through individual dealings, » he stated.

He went further, accusing the president of a calculated move to weaken Pastef’s influence. « This is a deliberate strategy to dismantle and dilute the party’s cohesion. By bypassing our leadership, he aims to fracture our unity, » Sonko asserted.

Clash over political representation

The Pastef leader also recounted a tense exchange with President Faye regarding his own political standing within the party. « He claimed he was the most representative figure in Pastef, » Sonko recounted. « I challenged him: if that’s true, why not hold a rally without me? Let’s see how many people show up—starting with his own commune, Ndiaganiao, which he can’t even win. »

Sonko dismissed Faye’s assertions, stating bluntly, « He has no real representation in Pastef. »

Failed attempts at mediation

According to Sonko, outgoing ministers had urged the new prime minister, Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership before finalizing the government lineup. However, he alleged that these recommendations were ignored.

« The outgoing ministers advised Al Aminou Lo to consult with me and the party’s designated representatives, but he refused to meet with us, » Sonko explained. « Even after I personally called the president to request that consultations follow party protocols, he disregarded the suggestion. Days later, he continued reaching out to individual members who, in turn, rejected his overtures. »

A late-night reconciliation

Sonko also shed light on the circumstances surrounding his meeting with President Faye, which reportedly took place after mediation efforts led by Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo. « After extensive discussions, including involvement from Al Aminou Lo and others, the president sent me a message late Monday evening, asking me to come to the Palace, » Sonko said. « I replied that I couldn’t arrive immediately but agreed to meet the next morning at 8 a.m. That’s when our discussion took place. »