Sonko revealed that on the morning of June 1, 2026, he held lengthy discussions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the participation of Pastef members in the new cabinet.

According to Sonko, the meeting was marked by serious disagreements, particularly over the role that the parliamentary majority party should play within state institutions and government leadership.

The former Prime Minister explained that President Faye refused proposals submitted by Pastef, leading the party to decide that none of its members would join the new administration or serve as representatives of the movement within government.

Following the disagreement, President Faye appointed a 30-member cabinet composed of political allies who support his leadership.

Among the appointments announced were Yankoba Dieme as Minister of Defence, Cheikh Diba as Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé as Minister of Interior, and Cheikh Niang as Minister responsible for African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad.

After being elected Speaker of Parliament on May 26, Sonko publicly stated that President Faye’s decision to remove him as Prime Minister and appoint a replacement had no connection with the Pastef party.

His remarks fueled speculation of a growing political split between the two leaders, who previously worked closely together under the Pastef movement.

The latest developments suggest that President Faye could eventually form his own political party, especially as many Pastef members, including several lawmakers, are reportedly continuing to side with Sonko amid the escalating political tensions.