Ousmane Sonko warns he can topple senegalese government

Political tensions escalate as opposition leader threatens government action

The standoff between Ousmane Sonko and the ruling camp has intensified, with the Pastef party leader delivering one of his strongest statements yet following the announcement of the new cabinet.

Speaking to journalists, Sonko leveraged his party’s parliamentary weight, declaring that the government could be brought down « tomorrow » if his bloc chose to act. « We control the National Assembly, and we have the institutional tools to make this government fall, » he asserted, underscoring the gravity of the power struggle unfolding in Dakar.

The opposition leader went further, suggesting that Pastef could repeat such a move multiple times if necessary, though he maintained that the party does not seek to plunge the country into chaos. Instead, Sonko emphasized his commitment to national stability while pushing forward with Pastef’s long-term political agenda, which extends beyond the 2029 presidential elections.

« We are not here to paralyze the country, » he stated firmly, while reaffirming his determination to see the party’s vision realized despite the escalating tensions. Sonko also dismissed accusations that Pastef would weaponize the legislature against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, though he accused the ruling camp of initiating hostilities by pursuing legal challenges before the Constitutional Council.

Reflecting on the current crisis, Sonko defended his strategic decision during last year’s legislative elections to run Pastef independently rather than in a broader electoral coalition. He argued that this choice has preserved the party’s autonomy and strengthened its influence over the parliamentary majority.

In a defiant tone, Sonko concluded by accusing unnamed forces of targeting him politically, but expressed confidence that these efforts would ultimately fail. « They may try to weaken me, but they will not succeed, » he declared, signaling that the confrontation is far from over.