In a rare public address following his sudden removal from office, former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has shared his account of the behind-the-scenes tensions that led to his departure. The political rift, he claims, stems from fundamental differences with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar over the direction of the country’s governance.
Speaking at a press conference held shortly after his dismissal, Sonko revealed a series of exchanges between himself and the head of state—conversations that, he insists, were far from amicable. The former prime minister framed his removal as the culmination of a two-year-long disconnect between his vision and that of the administration he once served.
Key moments in the lead-up to his dismissal
The crisis reached a turning point during a recent parliamentary session when Sonko addressed the National Assembly. Following his remarks, President Faye-Diakhar reportedly summoned him to the presidential palace for a private meeting. According to Sonko’s recollection, the president made it clear that the political partnership had become unsustainable.
« He told me it would be difficult to continue this alliance because many of my public statements were causing complications, » Sonko recounted. « I responded that the decision was ultimately his to make. »
He emphasized that the discussion was not framed as a negotiation or attempt to reach a compromise—contrary to later narratives. « I made it clear from the start that we weren’t deliberating a consensus, and that perception should not be fostered, » he stated firmly.
Repeated offers to step aside
Sonko further disclosed that he had, on multiple occasions, proposed resigning from his position as prime minister to take up a seat in the National Assembly—an offer he believed would ease tensions within the executive branch. He claimed to have raised this possibility three separate times, suggesting that a replacement from his party, PASTEF, could be appointed in his stead.
« Each time, the president declined my offer, » Sonko revealed, noting that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these discussions. The former premier added that President Faye-Diakhar requested time to reflect before a follow-up meeting, during which he allegedly informed Sonko of his decision to relieve him of his duties.
Sonko concluded his remarks by revealing that the official announcement of his dismissal came shortly afterward, confirming his departure through public channels. « I soon saw Oumar Samba Ba announce my removal, » he remarked, underscoring the abruptness of the transition.