Senegal’s evolving power dynamics under Bassirou Diomaye Faye
This week, the Arbre à Palabres discussion focuses on the mounting tensions at the highest levels of Senegal’s leadership, specifically between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. Contributors analyze the implications of this unprecedented political shift.
Following his dismissal on May 22, 2025, by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—once a close ally—former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has returned to prominence as the newly elected President of the National Assembly. His victory came with overwhelming support from the majority bloc of his party, Pastef, despite deepening divisions with the Head of State, who also hails from the same political movement.
The appointment of Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, a former senior official at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), as Prime Minister on Monday evening further reshaped the political landscape. With Ousmane Sonko now holding the second-highest position in the state, the question arises: Can President Bassirou Diomaye Faye effectively govern and implement reforms in a country grappling with severe economic challenges?
To explore this critical issue, Éric Topona welcomed three prominent voices:
- Mamoudou Ibra Kane, a journalist and author of the essay Troisième alternance au Sénégal: mon double regard, which shares insights from the late Mamadou Badio Camara, former President of the Constitutional Council, while also leading the political movement
