Politique

Senegal politics: rising tensions after diomaye faye ousts sonko

By sahel-express / June 23, 2026

The partnership between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko lasted barely two years. The President of Senegal has now removed his former Prime Minister from office. Sonko, who now presides over the National Assembly, has also been re-elected triumphantly as leader of the Pastef, the majority party in Parliament that remains excluded from the government. What led to this political rupture? Will a tense cohabitation between the President and the Assembly leader be sustainable? Could these divisions distract from the pressing needs of Senegalese citizens?

Ousmane Sonko (left), former Prime Minister of Senegal, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye (right), President of Senegal, at the presidential palace in Dakar on October 16, 2025.

Panelists:

  • Abdoulaye Tine – Minister-Counselor and Spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic
  • Amadou Ba – Former Minister of Culture, Member of Parliament, and National Secretary for Communication of the Pastef
  • Babacar Ndiaye – Political Analyst and Research Director at the Wathi Think Tank

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