Ousmane Sonko

The conflict between Sonko and Faye evolved from disagreements over the coalition and economic strategy into an open split; Faye ultimately dismissed Sonko and dissolved his government.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Having become President of the National Assembly, Sonko and his majority promoted a constitutional reform including a prohibition on a sitting president leading a party; critics saw it as an attempt to restrict Faye and strengthen Sonko.

State of the evidence

Documented

Sonko was among the main advocates of reviewing extractive contracts and pursuing a more sovereignty-focused economic strategy, amid high electoral expectations and a budgetary crisis.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Sonko described the idea of debt restructuring as a 'disgrace' while Senegal was seeking a new IMF programme following the discovery of billions of dollars in undeclared debt.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Having become Prime Minister, Sonko challenged the longstanding presence of French military bases in Senegal and raised their closure in the name of sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Sonko criticised what he portrayed as Western promotion of values incompatible with some Senegalese traditions, notably LGBTQ rights and monogamy in a country where polygamy is lawful and widespread.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Confrontations between the government and Sonko led to several episodes of street violence; authorities accused him of calling for mobilisation, while his supporters denounced political repression.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Sonko's conviction triggered deadly riots and clashes; Reuters reported at least sixteen deaths during the ensuing wave of violence.

State of the evidence

Documented

The government dissolved PASTEF, led by Sonko, accusing it of mobilising supporters for violent unrest.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

A tax inspector and PASTEF leader, Sonko was dismissed from public service for breaching his duty of professional discretion following highly critical public statements about state management.

Attribution

Directly implicated