Ousmane Sonko, recently dismissed from his position as Prime Minister of Senegal, has shared his perspective on the circumstances surrounding his departure and the strained relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar. In a candid address, he outlined the key disagreements that shaped their collaboration and outlined his unexpected proposals for the country’s political future.
Behind the scenes of a political breakup
Speaking publicly shortly after his dismissal, Sonko recounted the exchanges that led to his removal from office. The former head of government emphasized that tensions between the two leaders were not a recent development. « The reality today differs significantly from the vision we shared in our Project two years ago, » he stated. « This is why discussions about my potential removal had already taken place. »
A critical meeting at the Presidential Palace
Despite deepening rifts, Sonko chose to remain in his role to avoid triggering a political rupture. He revealed that after delivering a speech in the National Assembly last Friday, the President summoned him for a meeting at the Presidential Palace. « He expressed concerns about my statements causing complications, » Sonko recounted. « I responded that the decision ultimately lay with him. »
During their discussion, Sonko made it clear that their exchange was not a negotiation for consensus. « I told him we hadn’t discussed anything and urged against creating that impression, » he explained.
An unexpected proposal for continuity
The former Prime Minister also disclosed that he had repeatedly offered to step down from his position to take a seat in the National Assembly, believing his presence might hinder the executive’s operations. « On three separate occasions, I proposed: If you believe my role overshadows yours, let’s discuss it, and I’ll transition to the Assembly, » he said. « We could appoint another Prime Minister from PASTEF. Each time, he declined. » He mentioned that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these discussions.
Sonko further revealed that after their meeting, the President requested time to reflect before reconvening. « Upon returning home, I received a message informing me he would announce his decision shortly, » he shared. The official announcement of his dismissal followed shortly after.
