May 16, 2026

The African Tribune

The African Tribune — bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Senegal crisis: pastef party denies rumored resignation of ousmane sonko

Senegal’s political landscape shaken by resignation rumors

Controversy erupted in Senegal’s political sphere following journalist Madiambal Diagne‘s claim of a hypothetical resignation by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Amadou Ba, PASTEF party leader, swiftly responded, accusing media figures of orchestrating a smear campaign amid escalating internal party tensions.

Extradition de Madiambal Diagne : Ousmane Sonko prévient la France et les autres pays

PASTEF leadership dismisses resignation claims

In a social media statement, Amadou Ba directly linked the unsubstantiated rumor to a recently circulated anonymous resignation letter, which multiple party officials have already debunked. The timing, he argued, was no accident, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manufacture legal grievances—potentially as part of a broader political asylum strategy.

Ba emphasized that PASTEF’s immediate focus remains the urgent preparations for its upcoming party congress, where internal cohesion and leadership decisions are set to take center stage. Meanwhile, no official confirmation has emerged from either the Prime Minister’s office or the presidency regarding Sonko’s status.

Political climate intensifies ahead of key party event

Initial reports by Madiambal Diagne about a possible resignation have already been refuted by senior PASTEF members. With internal party dynamics under scrutiny, the unfolding situation underscores the heightened stakes surrounding Senegal’s political future. As speculation swirls, party insiders call for calm and urge adherence to institutional processes.