In a decisive address marking the launch of his new political party, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye issued a stern warning to former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. His message, delivered in Wolof, carries a clear and uncompromising tone: ‘Fii, saa fitnë dotufi nanee ñeex’, which translates to ‘from now on, what was once tolerated will no longer be acceptable.’
This public statement comes at a critical juncture, as Senegal grapples with escalating political tensions. The president emphasized the nation’s long-standing tradition of stability and peace, positioning his remarks as a necessary step to preserve these values amid growing divisions within the executive branch.
The timing of this message is significant. It follows months of public disagreements between the head of state and his former top aide, with their contrasting approaches to national communication and the formal split between the ruling coalition and the Pastef party. This rift has deepened as both leaders pursue distinct political agendas, further straining the relationship between them.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Sonko has intensified his political activities, recently initiating a membership drive aimed at solidifying his party’s grassroots support. This move underscores the widening gap between the two figures, each consolidating their influence in anticipation of future political challenges.
