Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, has inaugurated his new political party, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains, in Dakar on Saturday, July 25, signaling a pivotal shift in the nation’s political arena following his departure from the PASTEF, previously led by his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko.
The party’s founding assembly, held in a local hotel, introduced its guiding motto: La Patrie d’abord (The Nation First). This motto underscores a commitment to prioritizing national interests, strengthening republican institutions, and upholding the rule of law. The choice of the name KIIRAAY, derived from Wolof and meaning “what protects,” reflects the party’s mission to safeguard Senegal’s future and align with President Faye’s governance vision.
During the constitutive meeting, delegates unanimously elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the party’s president. This appointment formalizes a significant evolution in his political trajectory, as he stepped down from his leadership role in PASTEF at the start of his presidential term.
The creation of KIIRAAY stems from the merger of 437 political parties, movements, and associations, united under a shared agenda to support the President’s reform initiatives and Senegal’s long-term development goals. Aminata Touré, the former coalition supervisor for Diomaye Président, presented this resolution, emphasizing the collective ambition behind the new formation.
International observers, investors, and development partners are closely monitoring the establishment of KIIRAAY. In the context of Senegal’s ongoing Vision Sénégal 2050 strategy, institutional stability and transparent governance are critical to enhancing market confidence, attracting foreign investments, and solidifying international partnerships.
The emergence of this new party marks the beginning of a transformative phase in Senegalese politics. It has the potential to reshape power dynamics within the presidential majority and the opposition, particularly as the country gears up for upcoming elections. Furthermore, KIIRAAY is poised to influence the framework for future economic and institutional reforms, shaping the trajectory of Senegal’s development.
