The leader of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, has disclosed new details regarding his relationship 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 disapproval of what he perceives as an attempt to bypass Pastef’s governing bodies during the consultations for the formation of the new cabinet.
He stated that several outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the head of state. Sonko deemed this approach contrary to the party’s operational principles. “Many outgoing ministers were called for consultations regarding government formation. We cannot individually call Pastef members. We are an organized party with a clear leadership structure,” he asserted.
According to Ousmane Sonko, this methodology was part of a deliberate strategy to undermine the political party currently in power. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he tried to negotiate directly with party members without going through its official channels,” he affirmed.
The Pastef leader also recounted a discussion he reportedly had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he declared that he was the most representative figure in Pastef. I responded that he only needed to organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall 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 all consultations should proceed through the party’s leadership. This suggestion, he noted, was not followed.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult 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 attempted to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s established structures. “I called him on the phone to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who then refused his proposals,” he declared.
Finally, the Pastef leader revealed the circumstances of his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation involving, notably, the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after 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 could not 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 disapproval of what he perceives as an attempt to bypass Pastef’s governing bodies during the consultations for the formation of the new cabinet.
He stated that several outgoing ministers were individually contacted by the head of state. Sonko deemed this approach contrary to the party’s operational principles. “Many outgoing ministers were called for consultations regarding government formation. We cannot individually call Pastef members. We are an organized party with a clear leadership structure,” he asserted.
According to Ousmane Sonko, this methodology was part of a deliberate strategy to undermine the political party currently in power. “This is a strategy to dismantle and weaken Pastef. That is why he tried to negotiate directly with party members without going through its official channels,” he affirmed.
The Pastef leader also recounted a discussion he reportedly had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning his political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he declared that he was the most representative figure in Pastef. I responded that he only needed to organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we shall 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 all consultations should proceed through the party’s leadership. This suggestion, he noted, was not followed.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should consult 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 attempted to persuade the head of state to prioritize dialogue with the party’s established structures. “I called him on the phone to ask him to go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. But he maintained his position. A few days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who then refused his proposals,” he declared.
Finally, the Pastef leader revealed the circumstances of his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred after mediation involving, notably, the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after 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 could not come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting took place,” he recounted.
