Ousmane Sonko, the current President of the National Assembly, has expressed a desire for political reconciliation with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Despite the growing friction between the two leaders, Sonko clarified that his party, Pastef, does not intend to dismantle the recently appointed administration.

Sonko questions the legitimacy of the new cabinet

In his first public statement since being removed from his post on May 22, Ousmane Sonko voiced sharp criticisms regarding the new government established by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Speaking at a press conference in Dakar, the Pastef leader argued that the executive team lacks a structured political foundation. He emphasized that managing a country is a serious endeavor and suggested that the Head of State must respect the current institutional balance, especially since Pastef controls 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly.

Pastef commits to supporting the executive branch

Despite his disapproval of the current setup, Ousmane Sonko maintained that his party would not seek to collapse the government. “If Pastef desired it, this administration could fall within 72 hours. However, we will not censor them; we will provide our support,” he stated. The head of the legislature underscored that maintaining national stability is essential to reassure international investors and prevent the country from sliding back into political uncertainty.

A call for constructive engagement to maintain peace

To address the growing rift between the former allies, Sonko advocated for a “sophisticated and constructive political dialogue.” He stressed the importance of avoiding the level of unrest that Sénégal endured between 2021 and 2024. While he condemned what he described as provocations against his followers, he also called on the youth to remain calm, noting that achieving peace requires a commitment from both sides.