Leading opposition figure Ousmane Sonko has outlined the reasons behind his party’s decision to forgo participation in Senegal’s recently formed cabinet, days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced its composition.

In a Tuesday press conference in Dakar, Sonko emphasized irreconcilable differences between his party, Pastef, and the administration over policy priorities and ministerial allocations. Key concerns included debt management, fiscal transparency, and judicial reforms—areas where he sought firm commitments from the president without receiving satisfactory assurances.

Sonko stressed that the president’s responses on restructuring talks with the International Monetary Fund, price adjustments for subsidized goods, and the state of Senegal’s judiciary fell short of expectations. He described these replies as “half-hearted”, particularly regarding debt negotiations, where no concrete pledges were made.

Demands for greater influence rejected

On the allocation of ministerial portfolios, Sonko stated that Pastef had insisted on securing at least half of the key positions. He noted that the president ultimately chose a different path, leaving the party with no viable alternative but to abstain. The new cabinet includes five ministers from Pastef’s ranks, though the party does not recognize their legitimacy in this capacity.

While criticizing the government’s limited representation of his movement, Sonko cautioned against premature confrontation, declaring that his party would not initiate a censure motion unless provoked by the administration. The statement underscores the delicate balance of power as Senegal’s political landscape continues to evolve under the new leadership.