Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken a decisive step by officially launching his new political party, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains, in Dakar. The announcement came during a foundational general assembly held at a capital city hotel, marking a clear political emancipation from the Parti africain pour l’indépendance, le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité (PASTEF), the movement that brought him to power in March 2024. With the slogan « La Patrie d’abord » (The Homeland First), the new party positions itself firmly on national sovereignty and institutional strength.
Breaking away from Ousmane Sonko
The emergence of KIIRAAY follows public disagreements between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko, who remains at the helm of PASTEF as Prime Minister. Once seen as the dual faces of a unified reform movement, their paths have diverged, culminating in this organizational split. For the president, establishing his own party signals a move away from political dependency and grants him a structure fully aligned with his executive decisions.
The name KIIRAAY carries significant meaning. In Wolof, it means “protection,” a concept that contrasts sharply with the confrontational tone long associated with PASTEF. While the former party championed sovereignty through radical change, the new formation emphasizes patriotism, republicanism, and institutional stability. This shift reflects the president’s repositioning toward a more centrist, governance-focused approach as his administration solidifies its authority.
Patriotic and republican priorities
The guiding principles of KIIRAAY center on national interest, strengthening democratic institutions, and upholding the rule of law. These priorities were outlined during the founding assembly, signaling a shift from protest politics to statecraft. The name “Les Patriotes Républicains” bridges two key ideas: unwavering sovereignty—long a hallmark of the Faye-Sonko alliance since the 2022 legislative elections—and adherence to republican norms, a gesture aimed at reassuring political, economic, and diplomatic elites.
This strategic positioning holds particular significance for Senegal’s international partners. Since assuming office, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signaled openness to multilateral lenders and investors while renegotiating key contracts in oil, gas, and mining. By launching a party explicitly focused on institutional stability, he aims to bolster confidence in Senegal’s policy predictability, especially as Dakar seeks to maintain access to global financial markets and its relationship with the International Monetary Fund.
Reshaping Senegal’s political landscape
The introduction of KIIRAAY dramatically alters the balance of power. PASTEF, now without presidential backing, retains a strong grassroots base but loses its most influential ally—the presidency. Traditional opposition groups, from the Senegalese Democratic Party to factions within the former Benno Bokk Yaakaar coalition, must recalibrate their strategies in response to a presidential majority now equipped with its own party machinery. The question remains: how many PASTEF lawmakers, elected in November 2024, will transition to the new party?
The political calendar amplifies these stakes. Upcoming local elections and preparations for the 2029 presidential race will serve as early tests for KIIRAAY. The party must quickly demonstrate its ability to build a nationwide network, articulate a distinct policy agenda, and mobilize beyond the 2024 campaign’s core supporters. Practically, the struggle will also hinge on controlling party resources, administrative networks, and regional economic ties.
For Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the political equation is evolving from personal loyalty to institutionalizing a presidential force. This move ushers in a new chapter in Senegalese politics.
