Senegal’s PASTEF Refuse Participation In Next Government After Talks With President Faye

Senegal’s PASTEF Refuse Participation In Next Government After Talks With President Faye

Senegal’s PASTEF party says disagreements with President Faye will prevent its participation in the incoming government.

Senegal’s governing party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, has announced that it will not take part in the country’s next government following unsuccessful discussions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the formation of a new cabinet.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, PASTEF said it had engaged in several rounds of talks with the president in line with commitments made by the party’s Executive Committee and reiterated by its leader, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, during his installation at the National Assembly.

The party said a lengthy meeting was held on Monday between President Faye and Sonko, during which both sides confirmed areas of agreement but also identified significant differences.

According to the statement, the main disagreements centred on “the place and role of the majority in the executive apparatus,” adding that the party remained unclear about the structure of the proposed government.

Pastef said that after briefing its internal organs on the discussions, it submitted fresh proposals to the president. However, the proposals did not receive a favourable response.

“As a result, Pastef will not participate in the next government and will not be represented there by any minister,” the party said.

The announcement marks a significant development in Senegal’s political landscape, given Pastef’s position as the country’s dominant political force and its role in bringing President Faye and Sonko to power following the 2024 elections.

Despite the breakdown in talks, the party struck a conciliatory tone, wishing the incoming administration success.

“We wish every success to the new team,” the statement added.

Pastef said it would provide more detailed information on its decision at a later date.