Senegal’s president Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveils new party Kiiraay

In a landmark political development, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has officially inaugurated his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, in Dakar, signaling a definitive break from his former mentor and ex-Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. The party’s name, derived from the Wolof term for “protection” or “shield,” emerged from the transformation of the Diomaye Président coalition, which propelled Mr. Faye to the presidency in 2024.

Addressing a crowd of several hundred supporters, the Head of State positioned Kiiraay as a movement rooted in “republicanism, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and diligence.” He declared it now represents “the majority party in the country,” with its slogan, “The Fatherland First,” underscoring his ambition to forge a new political force around his presidential agenda.

The establishment of Kiiraay follows months of escalating tensions between President Faye and Mr. Sonko, once allies who jointly secured power under the Pastef banner. Their rift, exacerbated by disputes over debt management and institutional reforms, culminated in Mr. Sonko’s removal from office in May. Despite this, he continues to serve as Speaker of the National Assembly and head of the Pastef party, which holds a parliamentary majority, setting the stage for intensified political competition at the highest levels of government.