Ousmane Sonko shares the details behind his exit from the Prime Minister’s office

Ousmane Sonko, the head of the Pastef party and former Prime Minister, has provided a comprehensive account of the events that led to his removal from the government. During a recent public address, he detailed the breakdown in his professional relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

According to Sonko, the turning point occurred on Friday, May 25, following his appearance at the National Assembly. He recounted that the President requested a meeting where, after a standard discussion, Bassirou Diomaye Faye informed him that continuing their partnership would be extremely difficult. The President reportedly cited Sonko’s comments at the assembly as the source of significant complications.

The former head of government clarified that he had previously suggested stepping down from the Executive branch. He mentioned meeting with the President three times after the legislative elections, often with witnesses present, to offer his resignation if his presence hindered the President’s agenda. Sonko proposed returning to the National Assembly to maintain a healthy collaboration, but he claims the President consistently rejected these offers.

Sonko also noted that he had observed warning signs of a looming crisis at the top of the state for weeks. He stated that while at the Prime Minister’s office, he felt closely supervised. During their final talk, they did not agree on how to announce the separation. Sonko alleged that Bassirou Diomaye Faye wanted him to take responsibility for the split and issue a statement claiming they parted on good terms, a request Sonko turned down.

In response to the impasse, the Pastef leader presented the President with two choices: either Sonko would return to the National Assembly, allowing the majority to pick a new Prime Minister, or they would continue negotiating a consensus. If neither worked, he believed the President should take the formal step of dismissing him.

The narrative continued with Bassirou Diomaye Faye indicating he would resume talks after visiting the Archbishop of Dakar for Pentecost. However, instead of a follow-up meeting, Sonko received a text message at 8:35 PM informing him of the decision to relieve him of his duties. He noted that he accepted the decision immediately.

Shortly after the message, Sonko saw the official announcement made by the Secretary General of the Presidency. He concluded by describing how he immediately began packing his things to return to his residence in Cité Keur Gorgui, a place he admitted he had missed during his time in office.