Just hours after his dismissal from the Prime Minister’s office, Ousmane Sonko provided his account of the exchanges that unfolded between him and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye-Diakhar. The PASTEF leader described a relationship marked by growing disagreements over policy direction and governance since assuming office two years ago.
« What we’ve experienced over the past two years differs significantly from the vision outlined in our original project. That’s precisely why discussions about my potential removal had already begun, » Sonko explained during his public address.
Key exchanges at the presidential palace
Sonko revealed he had initially opted to remain in government to avoid triggering political instability. However, following his parliamentary address last Friday, the Head of State summoned him to the presidential palace for a private meeting.
« The President stated that continuing our partnership would be challenging given the issues raised by my recent statements. I responded that the decision ultimately rested with him, » Sonko recounted.
He emphasized that he had explicitly rejected any portrayal of their meeting as a negotiation for compromise. « I made it clear that no real discussion had occurred and that such an impression should not be given, » he added.
A rejected offer to step down
The former Prime Minister disclosed that he had proposed stepping down from his position three separate times—suggesting he transition to the National Assembly if his presence was hindering executive operations. « Each time, I offered to leave the Prime Minister’s office and join the Assembly, allowing another PASTEF member to take over. However, the President declined this proposal, » Sonko stated, noting that Minister Alioune Sall was present during some of these conversations.
He continued, explaining that President Faye requested time to reflect before their next meeting. « Upon returning home, I received a message from him indicating he would announce a decision, » Sonko revealed.
The official announcement of his dismissal followed shortly thereafter. « I learned of my removal when Oumar Samba Ba made the announcement, » he concluded.