Senegal political tensions rise as faye and sonko clash

Senegal is now the focus of an international spotlight following a high-profile documentary that exposes the widening political schism between two of the country’s most influential leaders. The in-depth report, titled Friends turned foes: The split reshaping Senegal, examines the deteriorating relationship between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who once campaigned side by side under the PASTEF banner.

This media coverage arrives just days after the Constitutional Council invalidated a sweeping constitutional reform passed by Parliament at the end of June. The decision has intensified the power struggle between the two figures and is reshaping Senegal’s political landscape ahead of the 2029 presidential election.

A once-united front now divided

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko secured victory together in the 2024 presidential election as PASTEF candidates. The party now commands a commanding majority of 130 seats in the 165-member National Assembly, a dominance expected to streamline governance.

Yet, according to the documentary, ideological differences have quickly surfaced, particularly over economic policy and relations with international bodies such as the IMF. Analysts interviewed in the report describe the clash as a fratricidal power struggle, with each leader advocating sharply contrasting visions for Senegal’s future.

Ousmane Sonko’s dual role as Prime Minister and President of the National Assembly has further fueled tensions with the presidency. The report underscores how this unprecedented concentration of legislative and executive authority has become a source of friction.

The constitutional reform at the heart of the crisis

On June 29, 2026, Parliament approved a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding the powers of the legislature and the Prime Minister. The proposed changes included a ban on the president leading a political party and the replacement of the Constitutional Council with a nine-member Constitutional Court.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye challenged the reform’s adoption by filing an appeal with the Constitutional Council on July 7. The Council ruled on July 10, invalidating the reform on procedural grounds and citing the lack of allocated funding for the proposed new court.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko responded with a terse statement acknowledging the decision’s binding nature. The statement did little to clarify how the ongoing institutional standoff between the two leaders will unfold.

An international spotlight on Senegal’s power struggle

The release of the documentary reflects the heightened global interest in Senegal’s political turmoil. The media outlet, with a broad audience across Francophone Africa, provides a detailed analysis of what it describes as a major political realignment in the country.

For observers familiar with Senegal’s reputation as a model of democratic stability in West Africa, the current crisis serves as a reminder that even established systems are not immune to internal divisions. With a population of nearly 19 million, Senegal remains a key economic and diplomatic partner for France in the region.

Local media outlets have extensively covered the reform’s invalidation, highlighting the deep fractures at the heart of the state. Broadcasters and news platforms have framed the Faye-Sonko divide as a high-stakes political duel, a narrative echoed by political analysts across the country.

Understanding Senegal’s political context

Senegal operates as a presidential republic, where the head of state traditionally wields significant authority. The election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in 2024 marked a significant political shift, fueled by the momentum of PASTEF and the widespread appeal of Ousmane Sonko.

The current configuration, with the Prime Minister also serving as President of the National Assembly, is unusual and has concentrated legislative and executive power in the hands of one individual. This setup has fueled the President’s determination to challenge the reform, which he views as an attempt to weaken the presidency.

The country is grappling with pressing economic challenges, particularly regarding public debt management and ongoing negotiations with the IMF. The disagreements between Faye and Sonko on these matters, as noted by regional observers, reflect deeper strategic divides that extend beyond mere power struggles.

Electoral stakes and future prospects

The 2027 local elections and the 2029 presidential race loom large on the political horizon. Analysts warn that the growing rift between Faye and Sonko will likely shape these upcoming contests, with the potential for a split within PASTEF or a major realignment of alliances.

The party’s overwhelming parliamentary majority complicates the situation: neither leader can govern effectively without the other, risking institutional paralysis. The question of who will ultimately control PASTEF’s machinery has become a central issue.

The documentary underscores the long-term implications of the current crisis, framing it not as a temporary setback but as the beginning of a prolonged battle for control of Senegal’s political future. The coming months will reveal whether the two leaders can find a way to coexist or if their partnership will collapse entirely.

The Constitutional Council’s decision provided temporary relief to President Faye but did not resolve the underlying disagreements. Senegal’s political scene is now entering a period of uncertainty, closely watched by regional and international partners.