President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal announced a new cabinet on Monday, featuring several members and allies of the Pastef party—despite Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef declaring it would not participate in the administration.

The announcement follows just over a week after President Faye, also a Pastef member, dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his position. Sonko was subsequently elected President of the National Assembly.

The political rift between Faye and Sonko has intensified uncertainty in Senegal, a country already facing severe financial strain.

sonko’s party rejects participation

In a statement released on social media, Ousmane Sonko declared that Pastef would not join the new government. The party cited ongoing disagreements over the role and influence of the majority within the executive structure.

The statement read, “This morning, a lengthy discussion took place between the President of the Republic and myself as party leader, confirming areas of agreement but also highlighting significant points of disagreement, particularly regarding the place and role of the majority in the executive framework.”

“After presenting these concerns to the party leadership and receiving no favorable response, Pastef – Les Patriotes has decided not to participate in the new government and will not be represented by any minister.”

new faces in the cabinet

Despite the party’s stance, some lesser-known Pastef members and allies were named to key positions. Moussa Bala Fofana was appointed Minister of Urban Planning, while Yankhoba Diémé became Minister of the Armed Forces.

Several ministers from the previous government retained their roles, including Cheikh Diba (Finance), Moustapha Mamba Guirassy (Education), and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye (Sanitation).

Prime Minister Amadou Al Aminou Lô stated that the cabinet was formed after “consultations with all relevant stakeholders,” including Sonko. He emphasized the president’s commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests above partisan considerations.

a dramatic political split

This move marks a sharp turn in relations between Faye and Sonko, long-time allies and co-victors of the March 2024 presidential election under the slogan “Sonko mooy Diomaye” (Sonko is Diomaye).

Tensions escalated earlier this year, culminating in Sonko’s dismissal at the end of May. Despite his legal ineligibility to run for president due to a prior conviction, Sonko had backed Faye as his successor. However, their partnership deteriorated over time.

Public disagreements surfaced in July 2025 when Sonko, then Prime Minister, criticized what he called a “lack of authority” in the country. In early May, President Faye accused Sonko of “excessive personalization” within the ruling party.