The political discourse in Sénégal is currently dominated by the deepening rift between the Pastef party and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As some members of the ruling party call for the head of state’s expulsion, Ousmane Sonko has clarified that this matter will be settled “at the opportune moment” by the movement’s competent authorities.
Speaking on Monday, June 15, the President of the National Assembly emphasized that Pastef is an organized and structured entity. He reiterated that any potential decision must adhere to the party’s established regulations.
“This will be evaluated when the time comes. Pastef is a highly structured and organized party. It has very clear statutes on the procedures to follow and the grievances to examine before discussing anyone’s expulsion,” stated Ousmane Sonko. “The party is not me. It is the official bodies that will make an assessment when the time is right.”
However, the Pastef leader was quick to point out that such a measure is not currently under consideration. “We are not there yet,” he affirmed.
Sonko sidesteps accusations of ‘betrayal’
When pressed on the allegations of “betrayal” directed at President Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko deliberately avoided using the term, choosing to frame the dispute in political rather than moral terms.
“The concepts of betrayal are more in the realm of morality and emotion. I prefer to position myself on political ground,” he explained.
According to Sonko, several commitments made to the Senegalese people have not been honored. More concerning, he believes there is a lack of genuine will to implement them.
“I consider today that some of the commitments we made to the Senegalese people are not being respected and that there is no will to respect them. I leave the notion of betrayal to the moral sphere,” concluded the former Prime Minister.
Persistent friction within the government
These remarks come at a time of significant tension among the various factions of Sénégal’s governing power. For several weeks, Pastef officials and activists have accused President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of straying from the political project that propelled the party to victory.
Despite these criticisms, Ousmane Sonko is, for now, prioritizing the party’s internal mechanisms and ruling out any hasty decisions regarding the head of state.
