Senegal political split as pastef excludes itself from new government

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has unveiled a freshly formed government in Senegal, deliberately excluding members of the Pastef party led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The decision follows weeks of escalating tensions between the two political figures, culminating in a definitive breakdown in negotiations over cabinet composition.

Just twelve days prior, President Faye removed Sonko from his post, elevating him instead to the position of National Assembly Speaker. This sudden reshuffle has deepened the rift within the political leadership, casting a shadow over national stability as the country grapples with severe financial strain.

The exclusion of Pastef from the new administration marks a stark departure from previous governance arrangements. Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who now heads the cabinet, confirmed the appointment of 30 ministers—none of whom represent the ruling party’s ranks. This development was immediately followed by an official statement from Sonko asserting that his party would not be part of the executive branch.

In a statement shared on social platforms, Sonko explained that while discussions with the President confirmed areas of agreement, fundamental disagreements persisted—particularly regarding the influence and positioning of the majority within the executive structure. He noted that after presenting revised proposals to party leadership, no favorable response was received, leading to the decision to abstain from participation entirely.

This political rupture occurs amid mounting economic hardship in Senegal. The discovery in 2024 of undisclosed government debt has triggered a crisis of confidence, prompting the International Monetary Fund to suspend a $1.8 billion loan program. By the end of 2024, public debt had ballooned to 132% of GDP. Negotiations to restore the IMF agreement are scheduled to resume next week, with authorities aiming to finalize key terms by June 30.