Sharp exchanges and unresolved questions surround the sudden political split. In his first public comments since the dismissal, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reveals the backstage dynamics and explains why he rejected the proposal to present his departure as a consensual move.

According to Sonko, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged him to announce that their separation resulted from a joint decision. The former head of government strongly disputed this version, insisting that the decision was made unilaterally and without prior discussion.

Sonko claims he requested a 24 to 48-hour window to organize the practical arrangements following the dismissal. However, he alleges that the presidency immediately proceeded with the process, bypassing any prior consultation on the political messaging surrounding the breakup.

Contested separation: a clash over form

Sonko maintains that this departure should be seen as a form of political liberation that did not affect his standing. He asserts that from the beginning of their collaboration, he established a clear principle: never to initiate a rupture.

The former Prime Minister describes returning home the same day the announcement was made, followed by days of radio silence between the parties involved. He also reveals that after his dismissal, consultations were reportedly initiated with outgoing ministers from the Pastef party to form a new government.

Sonko advised those ministers not to respond to the summons, arguing that all exchanges should go through official party channels. He believes this stance deepened the rift between the different factions.

Days of impasse followed until an attempt to re-establish contact was made. Sonko proposed a meeting involving several political figures, including Birame Souleye Diop, El Malick Ndiaye, Alioune Sall, and Daouda Ngom, but the initiative did not materialize.

Final discussions were later held with the new Prime Minister, Al Aminou Lo, according to Sonko. However, no decisions were reached on key issues such as judicial matters, accountability, and public debt management—points he had insisted on addressing.