In a candid address to the public, Ousmane Sonko, former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, unveiled the behind-the-scenes details surrounding his abrupt removal from office. His account sheds light on the final days of his tenure and the strained relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The turning point came on Friday, May 25, following his participation in the National Assembly session. Sonko recounted that the President contacted him, requesting an urgent meeting. During their discussion, Faye expressed his concerns about the Prime Minister’s recent parliamentary statements, which he believed had generated significant controversy. The President indicated that continuing their collaboration would be extremely challenging under these circumstances.
a history of unresolved tensions
Sonko revealed that he had previously addressed the possibility of stepping down with the President on multiple occasions. After the legislative elections, they met three times, with witnesses present, to discuss the matter. Sonko consistently proposed returning to his role as a lawmaker if his presence in the Executive branch was hindering Faye’s agenda. However, the President repeatedly dismissed the idea. “I made it clear that if my position was an obstacle, I was ready to leave the government and return to the Assembly to support the majority,” Sonko stated.
He also disclosed that for weeks, he had noticed growing signs of tension within the administration. Sonko confronted Faye about these concerns, emphasizing that as Prime Minister, he operated under the President’s direct supervision. Their last conversation did not address the terms of his departure; instead, Faye insisted that Sonko publicly frame the split as amicable. Sonko refused to comply with this request.
two paths forward, one decisive outcome
Facing this impasse, Sonko presented the President with two alternatives: either he would return to the National Assembly, allowing the majority to appoint a new Prime Minister, or they could continue negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable solution. If neither option was viable, he argued, the President would need to formally relieve him of his duties. According to Sonko, Faye agreed to revisit the discussions after a planned visit to the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost celebrations. “He assured me he would reconnect upon his return to finalize our agreement,” Sonko recalled. Instead, the President sent a message at 8:35 PM announcing his dismissal.
Minutes later, Sonko learned of his removal through an official statement issued by the Secretary-General of the Presidency. “Fifteen minutes after the message, I saw the announcement. I began packing my belongings immediately to return to Keur Gorgui, a place that had always felt like home,” he concluded.
