Ousmane Sonko: PASTEF will not join Senegal’s next government
The leader of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party has made a decisive declaration on social media platforms, clarifying his party’s position regarding upcoming government formation.
Ousmane Sonko has confirmed through official channels that extensive discussions took place between him and the President of Senegal.
While some areas of agreement were identified during these talks, fundamental differences remain unresolved. The primary sticking point centers on the role and positioning of the majority party within the executive framework, whose exact structure has not been disclosed.
Sonko stated: “This morning, a lengthy meeting was held between the President of the Republic and myself. While certain convergences were confirmed, significant points of disagreement persist, particularly regarding the place and role of the majority in the executive structure, about which we have no information regarding its composition.”
He continued: “As a result, PASTEF-Les Patriotes will not participate in the upcoming government and will not be represented by any minister.”
Official statement from PASTEF’s Executive Committee
Acting in the spirit of responsibility and in line with the commitments of the PASTEF-Les Patriotes Executive Committee (COMEX), reiterated by President Ousmane Sonko during his parliamentary installation, the party engaged in multiple exchanges with the President of the Republic regarding the formation of the new government.
This morning, a lengthy meeting occurred between the President of the Republic and President Ousmane Sonko. While some areas of agreement were found, major disagreements remain, particularly concerning the role and place of the majority in the executive structure, whose structure remains unknown to us.
Following the internal party briefing, new proposals were submitted to the President of the Republic. Regrettably, these were not met with favorable consideration.
Consequently, PASTEF-Les Patriotes will not participate in the upcoming government and will not be represented by any minister.
Further details will follow in due course.
We wish the new team every success.
The Executive Committee (COMEX)
Dakar, June 1, 2026
The decision marks a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape as the country prepares for a new government formation. Observers will be closely monitoring developments to understand the implications of this announcement on national politics.