Senegal’s former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko held a press conference on June 2 to explain why his party, Pastef, declined an invitation to join the newly formed government led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The decision came after extensive discussions between Sonko and the president, which revealed deep disagreements over key policy areas and ministerial portfolios. According to Sonko, the talks failed to produce satisfactory commitments on critical issues such as judicial reform, financial transparency, and debt management.

Sonko emphasized that the government’s proposals lacked concrete assurances, particularly regarding negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and strategies to address rising living costs. He noted that while the president acknowledged the need for price adjustments on certain subsidized goods, no firm commitments were made to restructure Senegal’s debt.

“The responses were vague and incomplete”

“We discussed these matters, but the president and his finance minister provided no binding commitments regarding IMF negotiations or debt restructuring,” Sonko stated. “On purchasing power, he mentioned applying market prices where possible, and on justice, he claimed Senegal has the best judicial system in the world. These responses were vague and incomplete.”

Sonko also criticized the allocation of ministerial positions, insisting that his party would only consider joining a government where it held at least half of the key portfolios. “We cannot accept a government where our influence is marginalized,” he said.

While the new government includes five ministers from the Pastef, Sonko clarified that these individuals do not represent the party’s official participation. He warned that unless the government initiates legal or political attacks against his party first, he would not pursue a motion of no confidence.