Ousmane Sonko calls for dialogue to prevent Senegal from relapsing into crisis
via SeneNews2 min read
Ousmane Sonko, leader of Senegal's majority party and former Prime Minister, has called for a "constructive dialogue" with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to prevent the country from relapsing into crisis. Sonko stated that his supporters would "accompany" the new government. This marks Sonko's first public statement since President Faye dismissed him on May 22 due to irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning the management of the West African nation's substantial debt. Sonko, who was elected President of the National Assembly on May 26, reported that Faye felt "a number of positions I had taken recently inconvenienced him and posed a problem." Sonko criticized the new 30-member government appointed by Faye on Monday, stating, "A country is serious! A government is serious! I have the impression that President Diomaye does not know what it means to form a government... you don't form a government lightly." He added that the current situation is "unprecedented," with a government lacking a "structured, serious political legitimacy" around Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko emphasized that they are in a situation of cohabitation, as Faye does not have a single deputy in the National Assembly. He urged Faye to "come down from his pedestal and let's talk." Sonko's Pastef party holds 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly. He affirmed, "We are here to support him so that he succeeds. If Pastef wanted, in 72 hours, this government could fall. But we will not censure them
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadThe Alliance for the Republic APR expressed its gratitude to the Senegalese people for the strong mobilization during the return of its president, former President Macky Sall. In a statement, the party's spokesperson pole described the turnout as "spontaneous, warm, and massive," interpreting it as a sign of the population's attachment to the former president. The APR believes this popular support, across all sensitivities, reflects the people's recognition of his achievements and the modernization of Senegal, signifying unity and loyalty to their political family. The party also welcomed the audience granted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to his predecessor, viewing it as a significant gesture for republican dialogue and a step towards consolidating national unity and harmony among political actors. The APR congratulated its officials, activists, and sympathizers for their mobilization and encouraged them to continue their commitment to the populace in a spirit of service, contributing to Senegal's development and international standing. The party aims to leverage this demonstration of support for its leader, who returned to Senegal for the first time since leaving office, as part of his campaign for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Must ReadFormer President Macky Sall expressed gratitude to his supporters in Dakar following his return to Senegal. This message, shared on his social media, aligns with his efforts to secure support for his candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General. After his audience with the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, former head of state Macky Sall thanked the many activists and sympathizers of the Alliance for the Republic APR who welcomed him upon his arrival at Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Airport in Dakar. He simply wrote "Thank you!!" on his social media, accompanying his message with several photos showing a large crowd mobilized for his return to Senegal. This trip marked his first visit to the country since leaving power in April 2024.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye has sought an opinion from the Constitutional Council regarding the legal feasibility of holding early legislative elections and local elections concurrently. This move comes as the potential dissolution of the National Assembly by the end of November 2026 appears increasingly likely. According to Article 87 of the Constitution, the head of state can dissolve the National Assembly after consulting the Prime Minister and the President of the Assembly, provided the dissolution does not occur within the first two years of the legislature. With deputies installed following the November 17, 2024 elections, this legal window would open from late November 2026. If the Constitutional Council approves the possibility of combined elections, Senegal could, for the first time, organize early legislative and local elections simultaneously. Territorial elections are currently scheduled before the expiration of local executive mandates in January 2027. Such a scenario would significantly alter the electoral calendar and political dynamics leading up to 2027.