Former prime minister ousmane sonko urges dialogue for Senegal’s stability

The leader of Senegal’s majority party, Ousmane Sonko, following his dismissal as Prime Minister, affirmed that his supporters would “accompany” the newly established government. He urged the Senegalese President to engage in “constructive dialogue” to prevent the country from “relapsing” into a state of crisis.

This public address marked Ousmane Sonko’s first statement since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his long-time ally and political companion, relieved him of his duties on May 22. The decision stemmed from irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning the management of the West African nation’s substantial national debt.

President Faye believed that “certain positions I had recently taken were inconvenient and problematic for him,” Sonko explained. Notably, Sonko was elected President of the National Assembly on May 26.

On Monday, President Faye unveiled a new 30-member government, a formation notably shunned by Ousmane Sonko.

“A country is a serious matter! A government is a serious matter! I have the impression that President Diomaye does not understand what it means to form a government… one does not form a government lightly,” Sonko criticized on Tuesday evening.

“What is happening is unprecedented. Yesterday, we witnessed the formation of a government lacking a political foundation,” he continued, asserting that there was “no structured, serious political legitimacy” supporting Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

“Whether he likes it or not, we are in a situation of cohabitation. He does not have a single deputy in the National Assembly. He does not hold all the power. He needs to step down from his pedestal, and we must engage in discussions,” Sonko emphasized, referring to the Head of State.

The Pastef party (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité) holds a significant majority with 130 out of 165 seats in the National Assembly.

“We are here to support him for his success. If Pastef wished, this government could fall within 72 hours. However, we will not censure them. We will stand by them,” he declared.

“Let us prioritize the supreme interests of this country. If we descend into a crisis of dissolution and censure, no one will come to Senegal to invest,” he added, concluding: “I call for intelligent and constructive political dialogue. We must avoid plunging this country back into the difficulties it has experienced in the past.”

Between 2021 and 2024, Senegal endured violently suppressed protests under the previous administration of former President Macky Sall. Dozens of individuals, predominantly young people, lost their lives during these demonstrations, mostly from gunshot wounds.

“However, it takes two to make peace,” Sonko further stated, condemning alleged “provocations” targeting his supporters in recent days and appealing to the youth for “calm.”