The leader of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, has shared new insights into his interactions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, particularly concerning the process that led to the establishment of the new government under Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.
During a press statement this Tuesday, June 2, the former Prime Minister voiced his concern over what he perceives as an attempt to circumvent Pastef’s official structures during consultations for the new governmental team.
Sonko stated that several outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the head of state. He views this approach as being inconsistent with the party’s operational guidelines. “Many outgoing ministers were summoned for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually contact Pastef members. We are an organized party with established governing bodies,” he declared.
For Ousmane Sonko, this method was part of a broader strategy designed to undermine the ruling political entity. “This is a tactic to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That’s why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” he asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a discussion he claims to have had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the latter’s political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, saying he should organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we’ll see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko contended, adding, “He holds no representative power within Pastef.”
The former head of government further claimed that several outgoing ministers recommended to the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, that he consult through the party leadership. This suggestion, according to Sonko, was not followed.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should engage with the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Ousmane Sonko also stated that he tried to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s internal structures. “I called him to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his stance. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials, who all declined,” he revealed.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances of his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation efforts led by the current Prime Minister and others. “Ultimately, we met following mediation by Al Aminou Lo and other individuals. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting took place,” he recounted.
During a press statement this Tuesday, June 2, the former Prime Minister voiced his concern over what he perceives as an attempt to circumvent Pastef’s official structures during consultations for the new governmental team.
Sonko stated that several outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the head of state. He views this approach as being inconsistent with the party’s operational guidelines. “Many outgoing ministers were summoned for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot individually contact Pastef members. We are an organized party with established governing bodies,” he declared.
For Ousmane Sonko, this method was part of a broader strategy designed to undermine the ruling political entity. “This is a tactic to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That’s why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official channels,” he asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a discussion he claims to have had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the latter’s political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure in Pastef. I challenged him, saying he should organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we’ll see. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko contended, adding, “He holds no representative power within Pastef.”
The former head of government further claimed that several outgoing ministers recommended to the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, that he consult through the party leadership. This suggestion, according to Sonko, was not followed.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should engage with the Pastef party president. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Ousmane Sonko also stated that he tried to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s internal structures. “I called him to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his stance. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials, who all declined,” he revealed.
Finally, the Pastef leader disclosed the circumstances of his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation efforts led by the current Prime Minister and others. “Ultimately, we met following mediation by Al Aminou Lo and other individuals. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting took place,” he recounted.
