Key points
- Dismissal: Ousmane Sonko was removed as Prime Minister on May 22, 2026, by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Censure threat: On July 12, 2026, in Mbacké, Sonko announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô’s government
- Political support: Ten of Mbour’s sixteen mayors publicly backed President Faye on July 12
- Party launch: Faye’s new party will hold its founding congress on August 8, 2026, at Dakar Arena
Confrontational rhetoric in Touba-Mbacké
Tensions in Senegal’s political landscape have intensified as Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, delivered a fiery address in Mbacké on July 12. The former Prime Minister accused President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration of abandoning key campaign promises, particularly the sovereign renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts. His remarks, widely shared across social media, framed the government’s actions as a betrayal of the Pastef coalition’s founding principles.
Sonko went further, condemning alleged corruption within state institutions and explicitly warning of a no-confidence motion to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, appointed on May 25 following a presidential decree.
Divide deepens since May dismissal
This escalation follows a dramatic political split that began on May 22, 2026, when President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko from the premiership, effectively dissolving the entire government. The move stunned observers, as the two leaders had long been seen as inseparable pillars of the Pastef movement since their victory in the March 2024 presidential election.
While Sonko was reassigned as Speaker of the National Assembly—a position with significant influence but removed from direct governance—he has used this platform to relentlessly challenge the executive branch. His July 12 speech in Mbacké was a clear signal that his political ambitions remain undiminished.
Local leaders rally behind President Faye
As Sonko ramps up pressure, President Faye is shoring up grassroots support. On July 12, the same day as Sonko’s rally, ten of Mbour’s sixteen mayors publicly endorsed the President, reinforcing Faye’s efforts to build a political base independent of Pastef’s historical structure.
The August 8 founding congress of Faye’s new party, scheduled for Dakar Arena, marks a decisive step toward his goal of establishing a distinct political identity—one that no longer relies on Sonko’s leadership or the original party that propelled them to power.
Opposition targets constitutional and economic policies
Sonko’s criticism extends beyond economic agreements. He also condemned the Constitutional Council’s seven-member panel for striking down a constitutional reform, directly implicating President Faye in the decision. The confrontation underscores a growing rift within what was once a unified movement.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô responded swiftly, rejecting Sonko’s accusations as politically motivated attempts to exploit patriotic sentiment. The exchange highlights the executive’s resolve to withstand pressure and maintain stability.
National context: A young democracy at a crossroads
With a population of 18 million, Senegal underwent a historic political transition in March 2024 with the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, Faye pledged to break from past governance, emphasizing sovereign control over natural resources—particularly oil and gas reserves discovered off the coast of Dakar.
Mbacké, where Sonko held his July 12 rally, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the spiritual heart of the Mouride Brotherhood, a major Sufi order in Senegal. The nearby city of Touba, considered the movement’s capital, holds significant electoral weight. Sonko’s presence there was strategic, aiming to strengthen his base in a region where President Faye is also seeking to expand influence.
Legal pathway to a no-confidence vote
Sonko’s threat of a no-confidence motion is not without procedural merit. As Speaker of the National Assembly, he wields the authority to initiate such a process. The critical question remains whether he can secure the necessary parliamentary majority to succeed. While Pastef holds a comfortable majority following legislative elections, uncertainty looms over how many deputies will follow Sonko in challenging a President from their own movement.
The standoff continues, with the renegotiation of resource contracts and the future direction of Senegal’s post-transition politics hanging in the balance. The August 8 party congress could signal a pivotal moment in a crisis that is reshaping the landscape of Senegal’s political change.
