August 9, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Ousmane Sonko challenges power, predicts electoral triumph amid assembly dissolution talks in Senegal


The ongoing discourse surrounding a potential dissolution of Senegal’s National Assembly continues to dominate the nation’s political landscape. During a Pastef rally held this past Saturday in Linguère, Ousmane Sonko unequivocally articulated his stance on this hypothetical scenario, simultaneously issuing a stark warning to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

According to the prominent Pastef leader, any move to dissolve the National Assembly, followed by snap legislative elections, would prove detrimental to the ruling administration. He confidently asserted that his political faction would emerge as the decisive victor in such a poll.

“Should he organize local elections, we will defeat him. If he dissolves the Assembly, the outcome will be even worse for him. In fact, that is precisely what we prefer, as we will utterly rout him,” Sonko declared.

Ousmane Sonko went further, speculating on the possibility that the head of state could face significant political weakening in the aftermath of a hypothetical electoral setback.

“Subsequently, I even fear he might concede defeat before 2029,” he added.

Sonko urges his supporters to maintain calm
Beyond the electoral outlook, the president of Pastef also called upon his militants to exercise vigilance and restraint. He implored them not to succumb to any potential provocations.

Ousmane Sonko believes that certain actors may be attempting to incite reactions from his party’s supporters to justify punitive measures against Pastef.

“I appeal to everyone for vigilance and calm. They are actively seeking ways to provoke Pastef, hoping our youth will react, thereby providing a pretext to dissolve the party and revoke its registration,” he affirmed.

For the Pastef leader, if his supporters successfully avoid provocations and remain unified, the upcoming electoral contests could overwhelmingly favor his camp, which he confidently characterized as a “mere walk in the park.”