The political feud at the heart of Senegal’s government intensified on Saturday as Ousmane Sonko secured re-election as leader of the ruling Pastef party, reinforcing his influence amid a growing power struggle with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Sonko, once regarded as Faye’s political mentor and kingmaker, was unanimously re-elected by 583 delegates during a party congress held in Diamniadio, near Dakar. His victory comes just weeks after he was removed from his position as prime minister by President Faye, signaling a dramatic deterioration in relations between the two men.
The alliance between Sonko and Faye was instrumental in securing victory for the Pastef movement during Senegal’s 2024 presidential election. After Sonko was barred from contesting the election, he endorsed Faye as his replacement, helping propel him to the presidency before later serving as his prime minister.
However, tensions have steadily mounted over the past year. Disagreements over leadership style, governance, and economic policy have widened the divide. A major point of contention has been Senegal’s approach to its growing debt burden. While President Faye has expressed willingness to engage with the International Monetary Fund on a new financial support programme, Sonko has advocated for a more sovereign and independent economic strategy.
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Addressing party supporters after his re-election, Sonko described Pastef as the voice of a “democratic, popular and sovereign revolution” and vowed that no efforts to weaken the movement would succeed.
President Faye, meanwhile, appealed for national unity earlier in the week, warning against divisions that could destabilize the country. He stressed that no political disagreement should be allowed to tear Senegal apart.
The fallout between the two leaders has created uncertainty within Pastef, which currently controls a majority in Senegal’s parliament. Sonko’s recent election as Speaker of the National Assembly further strengthens his political position and gives him significant leverage over the government.
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Looking ahead, the struggle for influence is expected to shape Senegal’s political landscape in the run-up to local elections in 2027 and the presidential election in 2029. While the parliamentary majority aligned with Sonko could challenge the government through legislative measures, President Faye will gain the constitutional authority to dissolve parliament after two years in office, potentially setting the stage for a major political showdown.
For now, Senegal’s ruling movement remains united in name, but the growing rivalry between its two most powerful figures is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
