Following his dismissal as Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, leader of Senegal’s ruling party, is calling for a constructive dialogue to prevent the country from falling back into instability. As tensions rise over the newly formed government led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sonko stresses the urgent need for open discussions to safeguard the nation’s stability.
Sonko pledges support amid political tensions
Ousmane Sonko, who was recently removed from his position as Prime Minister, has declared that his party, Pastef, will accompany the new government while urging President Faye to engage in meaningful talks to avoid plunging Senegal into another crisis. This statement marks his first public address since his dismissal on May 22, following irreconcilable differences with the president over critical issues such as the country’s mounting debt.
During a press conference in Dakar, Sonko revealed that President Faye had expressed concerns about certain positions he had taken in recent times, stating, « a number of my recent stances have proven problematic and unsettling for the administration. »*
The president subsequently announced a 30-member cabinet on Monday, a move that Sonko has openly criticized.
Government formation process under scrutiny
Sonko did not hold back in his criticism of the new administration, declaring, « A nation is a serious matter! A government is a serious matter! It seems President Diomaye is unaware of what it takes to form a cabinet… this is not something done lightly. »*
He further argued that the current government lacks a solid political foundation, calling it « unprecedented »* and questioning its legitimacy. « There is no structured, credible political backing for Bassirou Diomaye Faye, »* he asserted.
Highlighting the political landscape, Sonko noted, « Whether he likes it or not, we are in a cohabitation scenario. He holds no single seat in the National Assembly. He does not wield all the powers. He must step down from his pedestal and engage in dialogue. »*
Pastef, Sonko’s party, currently holds an overwhelming majority with 130 out of 165 parliamentary seats. Despite his criticism, he emphasized that the party would support the government, stating, « If Pastef wanted, this government could collapse within 72 hours. But we will not initiate a censure motion. Instead, we will support them. »*
Sonko warned that political instability could deter foreign investment, urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s interests. « If we fall into a cycle of dissolution and censure, no investor will come to Senegal, »* he cautioned, adding, « I call for intelligent, constructive political dialogue to prevent a repeat of past crises. »*
Senegal experienced severe unrest between 2021 and 2024, marked by violent crackdowns on protesters during the previous administration, resulting in numerous fatalities, predominantly young people shot during demonstrations.
Sonko concluded by stressing that « peace requires two willing parties »*, condemning recent provocations against his supporters and urging the youth to remain calm.
