Sonko warns Faye over potential assembly dissolution in Senegal

In a bold statement from Linguère, Ousmane Sonko asserts that any electoral test would weaken the incumbent administration, with dissolution posing the greatest risk.

Political tensions escalate as Sonko challenges Faye

The possibility of dissolving Senegal’s National Assembly remains a hot topic in the country’s political landscape. During a rally in Linguère, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, directly addressed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, warning of the electoral repercussions of such a move.

Sonko emphasized that regardless of the president’s choice—whether local elections or legislative dissolution—the administration would emerge weakened. However, he stressed that a dissolution would be particularly damaging, potentially triggering an early vote that Pastef believes it could dominate.

« If he calls local elections, we will defeat him. But if he dissolves the Assembly, that will be even worse for him—and it’s precisely what we want. We will crush him at the polls. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he steps down before 2029, » Sonko declared, addressing the president directly.

His remarks reflect an unwavering confidence in Pastef’s electoral strength, more than a year into the administration’s tenure.

Pastef urged to maintain composure amid political provocations

Beyond his warning to the president, Sonko also took time to address his supporters, urging them to exercise restraint in the face of what he described as deliberate attempts by opponents to destabilize the party.

« I call on our people to stay vigilant and remain calm. They are trying to provoke Pastef so that young supporters react violently, giving authorities an excuse to dissolve the party or revoke its registration, » he cautioned.

According to Sonko, the ability of Pastef militants to resist such provocations will be crucial in determining the outcome of upcoming elections. He expressed optimism that, with collective composure, both local and potential legislative elections would result in an easy victory for his party, which he described as a « walk in the park. »