Senegal: Facing Ousmane Sonko, Diomaye Faye does not rule out dissolving the Assembly

“Why exclude a prerogative granted to us by the Constitution?” the head of state responded when asked if he was considering dissolving the Assembly. He did not announce any dissolution or election date. “It all depends on necessity or context. When the time comes, depending on what we face, we will decide,” he added.

This response comes after a political break that he named directly this time. When questioned about the dismissal of Ousmane Sonko, his former Prime Minister, Bassirou Diomaye Faye mentioned “persistent disagreements on certain issues.” “When this breach of trust persisted, I chose another Prime Minister,” he explained. However, he dismissed the idea that discussions with the International Monetary Fund alone caused their separation.

The disagreement is now also playing out in Parliament. Ousmane Sonko took the presidency of the National Assembly after leaving the government, giving him a central role in reviewing legislation proposed by the executive. When asked about a possible rejection of the amended finance law by Pastef deputies, Faye defended the individual responsibility of each institution: “Everyone assumes their responsibilities, and the people will arbitrate.”

In response to accusations of betrayal from some members of his former party, the president emphasized his commitment to the state. “The only thing I might betray is my oath,” he stated. The outcome of the political confrontation will depend, in part, on how the Assembly receives the government’s financial measures.

Macky Sall at the UN, Faye defends a surprising support

Bassirou Diomaye Faye reaffirmed his support for the candidacy of his predecessor Macky Sall for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. Despite doubts expressed about his chances, the Senegalese president believes that “the game is still open” and claims to be in discussions with members who will influence the decision.

To justify this position, Faye highlighted Macky Sall’s international experience and the representation of Africa at the UN. “Who is better today to advocate for a better position for Africa than President Macky Sall?” he asked during his interview with RFI and France 24.

The head of state also invoked the issue of debt, which is at the heart of Senegal’s current financial difficulties. According to him, Macky Sall has “suffered the pains of debt,” an experience that would make him suitable to advocate for a reform of the international financial architecture. Faye did not address, in this response, the responsibilities attributed to the former government regarding the undisclosed debt.