The former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, Ousmane Sonko, has provided a comprehensive account of the events that culminated in his departure from the head of government. In a public address, he detailed the final moments of his collaboration with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

A breakdown in communication

According to Ousmane Sonko, the situation reached a breaking point on Friday, May 25, following his appearance at the National Assembly. The President requested a meeting to discuss the future of their partnership. During this conversation, the Head of State explained that maintaining their professional relationship had become increasingly difficult, citing Sonko’s recent parliamentary statements as a source of significant political friction.

The former head of government revealed that he had anticipated this outcome and had previously suggested his own departure. Following the legislative elections, Sonko claims he met with the President three times, with witnesses present, to offer his resignation. He told the President that if his presence in the Executive branch was hindering government action, he was prepared to return to the National Assembly to ensure their alliance remained intact. However, the President initially rejected these proposals.

Signs of an internal crisis

Ousmane Sonko noted that he had sensed a growing crisis at the highest levels of the state for several weeks. He described his time at the Primature as feeling under constant supervision. During their final face-to-face exchange, the two leaders disagreed on how to present their separation to the public. The President reportedly asked Sonko to take responsibility for the split and issue a statement claiming they were parting on good terms, a request that Sonko flatly refused.

In response to the deadlock, the Pastef leader offered two alternatives: either he would return to the National Assembly to allow the majority to select a new Prime Minister, or they would continue mediated discussions to find a compromise. If neither was acceptable, he insisted that the President must take the formal step of dismissing him.

The final notification

The President had indicated that the discussion would continue after his visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for the Pentecost celebrations. However, the expected follow-up meeting never happened. Instead, at 8:35 PM, Ousmane Sonko received a text message from the Head of State informing him of the decision to end his functions.

Shortly after receiving the message, the official announcement was made public by the Secretary General of the Presidency. Sonko concluded his account by stating that he immediately began packing his belongings to return to his residence in Cité Keur Gorgui, marking the end of his tenure at the Primature.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst