Senegal’s political landscape remains volatile after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko earlier this week. The decision came shortly after a heated parliamentary session where the outgoing premier sharply criticized the existence of discretionary political funds.
Tensions within the Senegalese government have escalated in recent weeks, despite the president’s earlier reassurances. Just three weeks prior, President Faye had publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Sonko during a televised interview with multiple networks. “He is my Prime Minister. As long as he remains in office, it is because he enjoys my full trust. Should that change, I will take appropriate action,” the head of state stated, projecting an image of calm.
Sonko responded indirectly the following day during a rally with supporters and party members. The Pastef leader urged his base to deepen their commitment, emphasizing that the party’s ideology transcends personal ambitions. In his address, he framed the movement as a collective endeavor rooted in sacrifice, selflessness, and national service.
Within 48 hours of this exchange, President Faye made a strategic move by appointing Me Abdoulaye Tine as Presidential Spokesperson. Tine, who also leads the coalition’s executive council, replaced Ousseynou Ly—a figure closely aligned with Sonko. Following his removal, Ly publicly pledged unwavering loyalty to the Pastef movement.
“My dedication and allegiance to the transformative vision of Pastef, led by President Ousmane Sonko, remain unshaken. This project, embodying the hope and ambition of a sovereign, equitable, and prosperous Senegal, continues to guide our collective efforts,” Ly declared.
The rift centers on the future of the Diomaye Président coalition. While Sonko advocates for its dissolution, President Faye insists on preserving the alliance that secured victory in the 2024 elections. These disagreements unfold against a backdrop of economic strain, with GDP growth slowing and public debt nearing 132%. Credit ratings have been downgraded repeatedly, compounded by constrained access to international markets and pending negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
The current tensions signal the unraveling of a decade-long political partnership. When Sonko was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential race, he endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye to represent Pastef. Faye defeated Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister under Macky Sall, in the first round with over 54% of the vote.
