Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is taking steps to establish a new political party, marking a significant departure from his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, as tensions within the country’s leadership continue to escalate ahead of crucial local elections and constitutional reforms.
A coalition aligned with President Faye announced on Friday that he has directed senior adviser Aminata Touré to head a task force responsible for creating the new political movement.
The announcement represents the strongest indication yet that the alliance between Faye and Sonko has come to an end.
Growing Split from Pastef
Although Faye has remained a member of the ruling Pastef party since assuming office, his relationship with Sonko steadily deteriorated over recent months. The tensions culminated in May when Faye removed Sonko from his position as prime minister.
Sonko has since assumed the role of Speaker of the National Assembly, where he is leading efforts to introduce constitutional reforms designed to reshape Senegal’s political system.
One of the proposed amendments would prohibit a sitting president from simultaneously serving as the leader of a political party.
Constitutional Reforms Face Public Vote
The National Assembly approved the constitutional amendments last week. However, instead of signing the legislation into law, President Faye decided the proposals should be put before voters in a national referendum.
Officials have yet to announce a date for the referendum, which is widely expected to serve as an important measure of public support for both Faye and Sonko as their political rivalry intensifies.
Political Tensions Amid Economic Pressure
The widening divide between the two leaders comes at a time when Senegal is facing mounting economic challenges following revelations that the previous administration understated the country’s public debt.
Their growing rivalry also unfolds ahead of the 2027 local elections, which are expected to provide the first major test of the political influence of both factions.
If established, Faye’s new political party could significantly alter Senegal’s political landscape, reshaping alliances within the ruling establishment and redefining the country’s balance of power.
