Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, has shed light on the internal tensions surrounding the formation of Senegal’s new government under Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo. Speaking to the press earlier this week, Sonko revealed what he described as an attempt by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to bypass the party’s leadership in key consultations.
The veteran politician expressed concern over the President’s decision to engage directly with outgoing ministers, a move he argued contradicts the party’s organizational structure. « Calling individual members of Pastef outside the designated channels undermines our collective decision-making process, » Sonko stated. « We operate through established committees, not through informal, one-on-one discussions. »
According to Sonko, this approach was part of a deliberate strategy to weaken the party’s cohesion. « The goal was clear: to dismantle Pastef from within by negotiating with members directly instead of working through its official bodies, » he asserted. The accusations come at a critical juncture as Senegal navigates its political transition following recent elections.
Clash over political representation within Pastef
Sonko also addressed claims made by President Faye regarding his own influence within the party. « During a private meeting, Diomaye asserted that he was the most representative figure in Pastef, » Sonko recounted. « My response was simple: if he believes that, let him organize a rally without my presence. If he can gather even a hundred supporters—starting with his own hometown of Ndiaganiao, which he has never won—then we might reconsider. »
The remarks underscore a growing rift between the two leaders, despite their shared political origins. Sonko further alleged that outgoing ministers had advised the new Prime Minister to consult the party’s leadership before finalizing appointments. However, these recommendations were reportedly ignored.
« Several former ministers explicitly told Al Aminou Lo that any discussions should involve the party president, » Sonko explained. « Yet, the Prime Minister refused to engage with me or other designated officials. When I personally urged the President to follow the party’s protocols, he dismissed the suggestion. Days later, his office continued reaching out to individual members—many of whom declined to participate without proper coordination. »
Mediation efforts and a late-night meeting
Sonko provided details of a tense meeting between him and President Faye, which took place after mediation efforts led by Prime Minister Lo and other intermediaries. « After persistent attempts to facilitate dialogue, I received a late-night message from the President on Monday asking me to visit the Presidential Palace, » Sonko shared. « I responded that I could not attend immediately but agreed to meet the following morning at 8 a.m. That’s when the discussion finally took place. »