In Sénégal, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressed the press extensively on Tuesday, June 2, clarifying the rationale behind Pastef, the political party he leads, opting out of the recently formed government. The new cabinet’s lineup had been announced just the day prior by his successor, Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô.

Sonko elaborated that fundamental policy disagreements and disputes over the allocation of ministerial portfolios created an irreconcilable divide between Pastef’s stance and that of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Key tenets of Pastef’s platform, including judicial reform, the pursuit of accountability initiatives, and the ongoing renegotiation of the nation’s strategic contracts, were central to Sonko’s demands for assurances from the head of state. He expressed dissatisfaction with President Faye’s responses, particularly concerning the proposed debt management strategy.

“All these responses are nuanced”

“We held discussions, and the President stated that neither he nor his Finance Minister had made any commitments to the IMF regarding debt restructuring. On the issue of purchasing power, he indicated that, where feasible, the true cost of certain subsidized products should be applied. Lastly, concerning justice, he believes we possess the finest judicial system globally. Consequently, all these responses were rather nuanced,” Sonko elucidated.

Regarding the distribution of roles within the new governmental team, Ousmane Sonko conveyed to the head of state that “Pastef would not join a government unless it could secure at least half of the ministerial portfolios.”

While also criticizing the new team’s perceived lack of legitimacy—noting it includes only five ministers from his party’s ranks who are not formally recognized by Pastef—Sonko affirmed that his party would not initiate any motion of no confidence, “unless the President and his allies attack us first.”