After his removal from office and the announcement of a new cabinet omitting members of his party, PASTEF, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has broken his silence. Speaking to journalists, he delivered a string of pointed remarks about President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, while emphasizing that their differences should not be seen as a personal rift.
Lack of dialogue fuels tensions
Sonko highlighted what he described as a breakdown in communication with the head of state. “The President refused to engage with me while engaging freely with others,” he stated, underscoring his frustration over what he views as selective dialogue within the administration.
Political ties remain, despite gaps in governance
Addressing the exclusion of PASTEF from the reshuffled government, Sonko recalled the long-standing political alliance between his movement and the presidency. In a statement laced with local imagery, he declared, “Manilén bou kenn dem, na Président nek si cotém, niou nek sunu côté.” Roughly translated, the phrase conveys a shared path that has now diverged in practice.
Despite the visible strain, Sonko maintained that interactions with President Faye had never escalated into outright confrontation. “We have never spoken harshly to each other face to face,” he asserted, seeking to downplay the severity of their disagreements.
Opposition denies adversarial stance
In a tone balancing reproach with conciliation, Sonko clarified that his party does not consider itself an enemy of the government. “We are not adversaries of President Diomaye,” he said. “The real adversaries are the soaring food prices, unreliable transport, and the daily hardships faced by Senegalese citizens.” He went on to suggest that certain political actors are attempting to magnify internal divisions for their own gain.
These remarks follow a period of intense political realignment and raise fresh questions about the future dynamics between Sonko, PASTEF, and the presidential administration.