Ousmane Sonko rejects government inclusion due to lack of influence

The most contentious moment of Tuesday’s press briefing came when Ousmane Sonko exposed the behind-the-scenes negotiations that shaped the new government’s formation, revealing a collaboration that has now collapsed between PASTEF and the Presidency of the Republic.

Sonko, leader of the Patriots, disclosed that discussions with Bassirou Diomaye Faye revealed a strategic shift away from PASTEF toward other political factions. He strongly objected to this move, reiterating a constitutional principle: “In a democratic system, governance must reflect the majority. It is our party that should select the Prime Minister.”

The two leaders deliberated on critical national issues—public debt, purchasing power, contract renegotiations, justice reform, and accountability—yet failed to reach consensus on any major point. Sonko emphasized the deadlock on justice reform, calling it “a fundamental point of contention.”

Regarding the government’s structure, Sonko set a non-negotiable condition for the President: PASTEF must hold a majority of cabinet positions in the proposed 30-member executive. When this demand was ignored, he concluded that “without influence over decision-making, our participation would be meaningless.” This stance led PASTEF to decline involvement in the Al Amine Lô administration.