Ousmane Sonko, the esteemed leader of Pastef, recently disclosed fresh insights into his interactions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. These revelations specifically concern the intricate process that led to the establishment of the new Senegalese government, now under the leadership of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.
During a press briefing held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister voiced strong objections to what he perceives as a deliberate attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership bodies during the consultations for forming the new cabinet.
According to Sonko, President Faye individually contacted numerous outgoing ministers for these discussions. Such an approach, Sonko argued, directly contradicts the party’s internal operational protocols. “Many outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot simply contact Pastef members individually. We are an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he emphasized.
Sonko further suggested that this particular methodology served a strategic purpose: to undermine and weaken the ruling political party. “This is a strategy designed to dismantle and diminish Pastef. That’s why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official structures,” Sonko asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a significant discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure within Pastef. I challenged him, suggesting he organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we can talk. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko declared, adding emphatically, “He holds no representative standing within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former head of government affirmed that several outgoing ministers advised the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. This crucial suggestion, Sonko noted, was ultimately disregarded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should liaise with the President of the Pastef party. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Sonko also detailed his efforts to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with Pastef’s party structures. “I called him to request that he go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. However, he remained steadfast in his position. Days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who subsequently declined his overtures,” he revealed.
Finally, the Pastef leader shed light on the circumstances leading to his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred following mediation efforts, notably by the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after mediation from Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting eventually transpired,” Sonko concluded.
During a press briefing held this Tuesday, June 2nd, the former Prime Minister voiced strong objections to what he perceives as a deliberate attempt to circumvent Pastef’s established leadership bodies during the consultations for forming the new cabinet.
According to Sonko, President Faye individually contacted numerous outgoing ministers for these discussions. Such an approach, Sonko argued, directly contradicts the party’s internal operational protocols. “Many outgoing ministers received calls for consultations regarding government formation. One cannot simply contact Pastef members individually. We are an organized party with defined governing bodies,” he emphasized.
Sonko further suggested that this particular methodology served a strategic purpose: to undermine and weaken the ruling political party. “This is a strategy designed to dismantle and diminish Pastef. That’s why he attempted to negotiate directly with party members, bypassing its official structures,” Sonko asserted.
The Pastef leader also recounted a significant discussion he had with Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding political influence within the party. “During a meeting, he claimed to be the most representative figure within Pastef. I challenged him, suggesting he organize a rally without Ousmane Sonko. If he manages to gather a hundred people, then we can talk. Starting with Ndiaganiao, his own commune, which he cannot even win,” Sonko declared, adding emphatically, “He holds no representative standing within Pastef.”
Furthermore, the former head of government affirmed that several outgoing ministers advised the new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, to engage with the party’s leadership for any consultations. This crucial suggestion, Sonko noted, was ultimately disregarded.
“The outgoing ministers informed Al Aminou Lo that the President of the Republic should liaise with the President of the Pastef party. He refused to meet with me or with certain officials I had designated,” Sonko explained.
Sonko also detailed his efforts to persuade the Head of State to prioritize dialogue with Pastef’s party structures. “I called him to request that he go through Pastef to consult the outgoing ministers. However, he remained steadfast in his position. Days later, he continued to call certain ministers and party officials who subsequently declined his overtures,” he revealed.
Finally, the Pastef leader shed light on the circumstances leading to his meeting with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which reportedly occurred following mediation efforts, notably by the current Prime Minister. “Ultimately, we met after mediation from Al Aminou Lo and others. He sent me a message late on Monday evening (June 1st) asking me to come to the Palace. I replied that I couldn’t come immediately but would be there the next day at 8 AM. That is how the meeting eventually transpired,” Sonko concluded.
You may also like
-
Ousmane sonko makes explosive claims about cap manuel protocol
-
Former prime minister ousmane sonko urges dialogue for Senegal’s stability
-
Ousmane Sonko issues stern warning to prime minister Al Aminou Lo
-
Press statement by ousmane sonko as pastef leader
-
Chad assesses two-year progress of president’s agenda