The appointment of Senegal’s new 30-member cabinet by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô has sparked intense debate. With no heavyweight figures from the Pastef party—led by Ousmane Sonko, who declined participation—this technocrat-dominated team reflects a clear rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the party’s leadership. Despite Sonko’s Pastef affiliation, the president’s coalition, Diomaye Président, now faces a fractured political landscape. Aminata Touré, the coalition’s supervisory general, spoke exclusively to our correspondent in Dakar about the implications of this government reshuffle.
government formation sparks debate over democratic legitimacy
Interviewer: A cabinet of 30 ministers, some from Pastef, yet none of its key figures. Does this not raise concerns about democratic or electoral legitimacy?
Aminata Touré: It’s essential to remember democratic principles. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected by 54% of Senegalese voters, and as head of state, he appoints the prime minister, who then proposes the government. This aligns perfectly with Senegal’s democratic framework. The focus here is on efficiency, as Senegalese citizens prioritize tangible progress over political disputes. The government’s role is to deliver results.
cohabitation fears amid pastef’s absence
Interviewer: Pastef holds a majority in the National Assembly under Ousmane Sonko. In this so-called cohabitation scenario, could governance become challenging?
Aminata Touré: First, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a member of Pastef, as are several ministers in this government. This is an internal party matter. Second, if all institutions respect their mandates and prioritize Senegal’s interests, there should be no issues. We must avoid using institutions for personal agendas. Political squabbles benefit no one—especially not the Senegalese people, who need stability, not perpetual crises. Each branch—executive, legislative, judiciary, and Constitutional Council—must fulfill its role. The people will judge based on outcomes.
moralization of politics under scrutiny
Interviewer: Reports suggest disagreements between Sonko and Faye over accountability, with fears that this government signals the end of the moralization of political life promised by Pastef. Is this assessment accurate?
Aminata Touré: Why would it be the end? Perhaps it marks the beginning of accountability through an independent judiciary. Accountability is not about settling scores. As a former Minister of Justice, I understand the distinction. Political opponents may dislike each other, but that doesn’t justify judicial persecution. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye remains committed to accountability, not vendettas.
debt restructuring and international partnerships
Interviewer: Sonko has long opposed restructuring Senegal’s debt with the IMF. Will this government adopt a different approach?
Aminata Touré: This isn’t an ideological debate but a practical one. When you owe money, you must find a way to repay it—whether due to underestimation or mismanagement of debt. Restructuring isn’t about repeating the mistakes of the 1980s, where social programs were slashed, leading to decades of hardship. We must discuss reprofiling with partners, ensuring solutions are sustainable for both the country and its people. Partners must understand that cutting essential programs is not an option.
2029 presidential ambitions and political stability
Interviewer: Could Pastef’s refusal to join this government be seen as an attempt to undermine Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration in favor of Ousmane Sonko’s 2029 presidential ambitions?
Aminata Touré: Everyone has the right to aspire to the presidency in 2029, just as the president can seek re-election. The real question is whether Senegalese voters want to engage in a three-year electoral campaign now. Their priority is solving pressing issues, not political infighting. The government’s focus is on action and transformation. Electoral competition will come in time. Sabotage would mean betraying the Senegalese people’s ambitions. Ultimately, democracy must be allowed to function. Disagreements are natural, but the national interest must prevail.
Democracy is not a zero-sum game; it requires collective effort to build a better future.
