Sonko details the behind-the-scenes of his dismissal from Senegal’s prime minister role

Senegal’s former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, Ousmane Sonko, has provided a detailed account of the events leading to his removal from office. Speaking publicly, he shared his perspective on the rift with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, shedding light on the final moments of their collaboration.

The turning point, according to Sonko, occurred on Friday, May 25, immediately after a session at the National Assembly. He recounted being summoned by the President, who expressed concerns over a recent speech Sonko had delivered in parliament. « The President told me that continuing our collaboration would be extremely difficult due to the issues my statements had caused, » Sonko explained.

Recurring discussions before the fallout

Sonko revealed that he had repeatedly broached the possibility of resigning with the Head of State. « After the legislative elections, I met with him three times in the presence of witnesses, » he stated. « I made it clear that if my role in the Executive was hindering his agenda, I could return to the Assembly to allow a smoother transition. The President, however, consistently rejected this idea. »

Signs of a brewing crisis

The former Prime Minister also disclosed that he had noticed early indicators of a looming conflict within the government. « There were signals suggesting trouble ahead, » he noted. During their final discussion, Sonko explained that he was effectively under the President’s direct supervision. « When we met last, there was no formal talk about ending our partnership. The President wanted me to publicly frame the separation as an amicable parting of ways, but I refused, » he stated.

Sonko outlined two potential resolutions to the President: either his return to the Assembly to facilitate the selection of a new Prime Minister or continued negotiations to reach a mutual agreement. Failing that, he believed the President should take the decisive step of relieving him of his duties.

According to Sonko, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had indicated he would resume discussions after a planned visit to Dakar’s Archbishop as part of Pentecost celebrations. « He told me he would reconnect with me upon his return to finalize our talks, » Sonko recalled. Instead, at 8:35 PM, a message arrived confirming his dismissal. « I accepted the decision, » he said.

The former Prime Minister shared that he learned of his removal through an official statement by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, issued just fifteen minutes later. « Shortly after, I began packing my belongings to return to Keur Gorgui, a place I had grown fond of during my tenure, » he concluded.