Ousmane Sonko reveals details behind his dismissal as Prime Minister of Senegal

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 discussions he claims to have had with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to his dismissal.

Key meeting after parliamentary address sparks political shift

According to Sonko, the decisive moment came on May 25, following his speech in the National Assembly. He was summoned by the President shortly after, where he says the head of state expressed concerns about the growing tensions stemming from his parliamentary statements.

The former Prime Minister described the encounter as a routine discussion that unexpectedly led to the conclusion of their collaboration at the highest level of government.

Premature resignation proposal met with resistance

Sonko maintained that he had previously raised the idea of stepping down after the legislative elections, proposing either a return to his parliamentary role or a negotiated political transition. However, he claims the President had consistently dismissed such suggestions until their final meeting.

Signs of discord at the heart of government

The PASTEF leader revealed that for weeks, he had noticed growing friction between the two branches of the Executive. He stated that he had raised these concerns with the President in multiple discussions, though no concrete plans were outlined for their separation during their last conversation.

Sonko also dismissed attempts to frame his departure as a consensual decision, emphasizing that he refused to endorse any narrative that misrepresented the circumstances of his removal.

Sudden dismissal confirmed after religious event

The former Prime Minister recounted that the President had indicated plans to resume talks after a scheduled visit to the Archbishop of Dakar during Pentecost celebrations. Yet, that same evening, Sonko received a notification confirming his dismissal—followed shortly after by the official announcement from the Secretary-General of the Presidency.

A new chapter in Senegal’s political landscape

With his return to the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko is entering a new phase in his political career. This development also marks a significant turning point in his relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose alliance had previously reshaped Senegal’s political landscape. Observers continue to monitor the evolving dynamics within the Senegalese government as these events unfold.