Ousmane Sonko urges dialogue to prevent a new political crisis in Sénégal

Following his recent dismissal as Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko is advocating for meaningful discussion to safeguard Sénégal from instability. Despite tensions surrounding the cabinet formed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sonko emphasizes the importance of open communication for national peace.

The leader of the majority party in Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko, has declared that his supporters will assist the new administration. He called on the President for a constructive dialogue to ensure the nation does not slip back into turmoil. This marks his first public appearance since May 22, when President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—his longtime political partner—removed him from office citing irreconcilable differences, particularly regarding the management of the country’s national debt.

During a press conference in Dakar, Sonko, who was elected President of the National Assembly on May 26, mentioned that the President found some of his recent stances problematic. This shift in African governance comes as Faye unveiled a 30-member cabinet on Monday, a move that Sonko pointedly criticized.

“A country is a serious matter, and so is a government. I have the impression that President Diomaye does not understand what it takes to form a cabinet; one does not do so lightly,” Sonko remarked on Tuesday evening. He described the current situation as unprecedented, suggesting the new executive lacks a solid political foundation or structured legitimacy.

Sonko highlighted that the country is effectively in a state of cohabitation. Since his party, Pastef (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité), holds 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly, he argued that the President does not hold absolute power. “He must step down from his pedestal so we can talk,” Sonko added.

Despite the friction, Sonko maintained that his party is ready to support the administration’s success. He noted that while Pastef could theoretically collapse the government within 72 hours, they have no intention of using censorship. Instead, they aim to prioritize national interests to avoid a cycle of dissolution and political unrest that would discourage foreign investment.

“I am calling for intelligent and constructive political dialogue. We must avoid plunging this country back into the darkness it has faced before,” he stated, referring to the violent protests between 2021 and 2024. During that period, dozens of people, primarily young demonstrators, lost their lives in clashes with the previous administration.

Concluding his address, Sonko urged the youth to remain calm while noting that peace requires effort from both sides. He specifically denounced recent provocations targeting his supporters, signaling that the path forward for Sénégal remains delicate. This latest development in English Africa news highlights the ongoing complexities of the region’s political landscape.