Senegal’s Ousmane Sonko details his departure as prime minister

Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, has publicly shared his account of the events leading to his removal from office. In a detailed statement, he described the conversations he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.

Key discussion after national assembly address

Sonko explained that the critical moment arrived on May 25, following his speech at the National Assembly. He stated that the president summoned him immediately afterward to discuss the political fallout from his remarks in the legislative chamber.

According to Sonko, the president expressed concerns that certain statements made during the address had created significant divisions within the government. Despite the serious nature of the discussion, he described the atmosphere as calm and professional throughout.

Previously considered departure

The opposition leader revealed that he had already raised the possibility of leaving the executive branch after the legislative elections. He proposed two potential paths forward: either returning to his parliamentary role to allow for the appointment of a new prime minister, or engaging in further negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable political resolution.

Sonko maintained that the president had consistently rejected these suggestions in prior meetings, though no formal agreement was reached on the terms of their separation during their final discussion.

Signs of growing rift in government

Sonko claimed that over recent weeks, clear indicators emerged of escalating tensions between the two branches of government. He asserted that he had repeatedly brought these concerns to the president’s attention during their interactions, though no concrete steps were taken to address them.

He also emphasized that he refused to endorse any official narrative portraying his departure as a voluntary and consensual decision, countering claims that may have circulated in political circles.

Sudden announcement of dismissal

Sonko disclosed that the president had indicated plans to resume discussions after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations. However, he received a formal notification of his dismissal in a late-night message before the official announcement was made public.

Minutes later, the Secretary-General of the Presidency confirmed his removal from office in a formal statement, marking the end of his tenure as head of government.

A new political chapter begins

With his return to the National Assembly, Sonko is poised to embark on a fresh phase of his political career. This transition also underscores a pivotal shift in the relationship between the former prime minister and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—a partnership that once symbolized Senegal’s democratic transition.

His version of events provides critical context as analysts continue to assess the evolving dynamics within Senegal’s political leadership.