Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko discusses his departure from government and President Faye's request
via SeneNews2 min read
Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has spoken out about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the government. He claims that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye asked him to publicly state that their separation was by "mutual agreement," a request Sonko says he rejected because the decision was made unilaterally without discussion. Sonko stated he proposed a 24 to 48-hour delay to organize the practicalities of the decision, but the presidency proceeded immediately without prior consultation on communication. He views his departure as a form of "liberation" that has not affected him politically. Sonko also mentioned that he had a rule from the beginning of their collaboration not to be the cause of a rupture. Following his dismissal, he returned home, and there were several days of silence between the parties. He further stated that he learned the presidency had begun consultations with outgoing ministers from Pastef for a new government. Sonko advised these ministers not to respond, believing discussions should go through official party channels, which he says increased tensions. This deadlock reportedly lasted several days before an attempt to re-establish contact was made. Sonko claims he proposed a meeting with several political leaders, including Birame Souleye Diop, El Malick Ndiaye, Alioune Sall, and Daouda Ngom, but this initiative did not materialize. Final discussions were then held with Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo, but no decisions were made regarding the c
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal is currently experiencing a deficit of approximately 50,000 blood bags, according to Dr. Daouda Seck, director of the National Blood Transfusion Center CNTS. Dr. Seck stated in an interview with Sant茅 en Ch艙ur magazine that the country requires 186,000 blood bags annually to adequately meet the needs of health establishments, in line with World Health Organization WHO recommendations. In 2024, 136,347 blood bags were collected, covering nearly 73% of national requirements. While vital emergencies are being managed, Dr. Seck emphasized that the safety margin remains narrow. He called for increased mobilization of voluntary and regular donors to strengthen the country's blood reserves. He also highlighted that blood groups, particularly O and especially O negative, are highly sought after in emergencies, despite being among the rarest. Currently, Senegal has about 24,500 regular donors who make at least two donations per year, accounting for only 18% of total collections. Health authorities aim to increase this number to better secure national blood stocks.
Must ReadGuinea is projected to achieve an economic growth rate of 8.7% in 2026, positioning it as one of Africa's most dynamic economies and the leader among ECOWAS nations in projected economic growth. This forecast, from the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook published in April 2026, indicates Guinea would outpace Benin 7.0%, Niger 6.7%, and C么te d'Ivoire 6.2%, as well as Senegal. The primary driver of this anticipated growth is the development of the Simandou iron ore project, considered one of the world's most valuable. The gradual commencement of production from this mining complex, coupled with investments in rail and port infrastructure, is expected to boost economic activity and exports. Guinea, already the world's leading bauxite exporter, plans to leverage Simandou's benefits to accelerate its economic transformation through the "Simandou 2040" strategy. This strategy aims to channel mining revenues into investments across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, agriculture, and industry, to reduce the economy's reliance on raw materials. While these projections highlight significant growth potential, their realization depends on continued economic reforms, macroeconomic stability, and the authorities' ability to translate this growth into job creation and improved living conditions for the population.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye departed Dakar for Freetown, Sierra Leone, to attend high-level meetings focused on the future of regional integration in West Africa. During his visit, President Faye will participate in the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS. These meetings will bring together West African leaders to discuss key challenges related to regional integration, economic cooperation, security, and strengthening solidarity among the sub-region's people. Senegal's participation underscores the authorities' commitment to regional consultation mechanisms and initiatives aimed at consolidating unity and development within the West African community. President Faye's stay in Freetown is scheduled from July 18 to July 19, 2026.