Sonko breaks silence after cabinet reshuffle amid growing tensions

Former Prime Minister Sonko speaks out against President Faye

In a rare public statement, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party, has broken his silence following the recent cabinet reshuffle in which his party was notably excluded from the new government.

Speaking to reporters, Sonko did not mince his words as he addressed the strained relationship between his political movement and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. While he emphasized that the current tensions should not be seen as a personal rift, he made it clear that communication between them had reached a critical low.

« The President has refused to engage with me while maintaining dialogue with others, » Sonko declared, highlighting what he described as a deliberate snub. His remarks underscore the growing divide between the ruling coalition and his party, which had previously been a key ally.

Political tensions rise as government excludes PASTEF

Sonko went on to reflect on the long-standing political alliance between his party and the president’s administration. « Manilén bou kenn dem, na Président nek si cotém, niou nek sunu côté », he asserted, stressing the historical ties that once bound them together. Despite the apparent fractures, he insisted that the relationship had never devolved into outright confrontation.

« We have never exchanged harsh words face to face, » he clarified, adding that the current disagreements were not rooted in personal animosity. Instead, Sonko framed the issue as a broader struggle for governance, where the real adversaries were the rising cost of living and the daily challenges faced by Senegalese citizens.

« We are not the President’s adversaries. The true opponents are soaring food prices, unreliable transportation, and the hardships plaguing ordinary Senegalese, » he stated. His comments suggest that the opposition may be attempting to exploit the divide within the executive branch for political gain.

What’s next for PASTEF and the government?

The cabinet reshuffle has left many wondering about the future of cooperation between Sonko’s party and the administration. While Sonko’s remarks were measured, they hint at deeper unresolved tensions that could shape the political landscape in the coming months.