Senegal’s PASTEF in turmoil over Ousmane Sonko resignation claims

A political storm erupted in Senegal following journalist Madiambal Diagne’s claim about Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s alleged resignation, prompting an immediate response from PASTEF official Amadou Ba. The unfolding controversy, intertwined with allegations of misinformation and an upcoming party congress, has exposed deepening divisions within the country’s political landscape.

Amadou Ba, Culture Minister and PASTEF’s political coordinator, swiftly addressed the controversy sparked by Madiambal Diagne’s social media post suggesting Ousmane Sonko had stepped down. Ba drew a direct connection between this claim and the recent circulation of a disputed resignation letter purportedly signed by an anonymous PASTEF activist—a document already dismissed by multiple party leaders.

Amadou Ba dismisses resignation claims as deliberate misinformation

In a firm statement, Amadou Ba emphasized that « there is no coincidence » between the journalist’s post and the fabricated resignation letter. He argued that these claims appear designed to trigger defamation lawsuits as part of a broader tactic to bolster a political asylum request. Ba further stressed that PASTEF’s primary focus remains the upcoming party congress, which is generating significant internal debate.

The initial claim by Madiambal Diagne about Ousmane Sonko’s resignation has already been refuted by several PASTEF officials. At this time, neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Presidency has issued any official confirmation regarding the allegations.