May 22, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Oune Sonko clarifies pastef internal tensions amid political scrutiny

During a tense morning session at the National Assembly, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a firm statement regarding the internal dynamics of his political party, Pastef. Addressing lawmakers, he made it clear that disputes within the movement would not be resolved through bureaucratic decrees, pushing back against attempts to exploit perceived divisions for political leverage.

The remarks came as a response to growing speculation about leadership challenges and internal strife within Pastef, with some observers questioning the party’s cohesion. Sonko emphasized that such matters are best addressed through dialogue and collective decision-making, rather than administrative interventions that risk undermining the party’s unity and public standing.

His intervention underscores a commitment to maintaining stability within Pastef amid heightened political scrutiny. By rejecting the idea that internal conflicts could be settled by fiat, he reinforced the party’s reliance on internal mechanisms—rather than external pressure—to navigate challenges.