Ousmane Sonko’s party shaken by wave of resignations

What began as isolated exits has rapidly escalated into a mass exodus. Veteran party members, rising stars, and public agency directors are abandoning Pastef in droves. The pattern points to one unmistakable reality: a definitive break between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, once the twin pillars of Senegal’s new political order.

The alliance that propelled them to power in March 2024—hailed as the dawn of political renewal—has collapsed under the weight of months of simmering tensions. The final rupture came in May 2026 when Sonko was removed from the Prime Minister’s post, a move that crystallized their opposing visions for governance. Though Sonko retained control of the party, Faye moved swiftly to consolidate his authority over state institutions.

The growing rift reached a public climax in early June when Minister Moussa Bala Fofana resigned from Urban Planning—his third stint in the role—just days after Sonko publicly criticized ministers for disregarding party directives. Fofana denied acting on presidential orders, though his remarks remained respectful toward his former mentor.

Constitutional shifts ignite political firestorm

On July 3rd, Faye took decisive action by announcing plans to launch a new presidential party designed to unite supporters under a single banner. This move effectively severed the remaining ties between the presidency and Pastef, the movement that had carried them to victory. Meanwhile, the pro-Faye coalition “Diomaye Président” is rapidly mobilizing to absorb incoming defections.