Political rift in Sénégal as Pastef party addresses leadership concerns

The ongoing political dispute within Sénégal’s ruling party, Pastef, has sparked intense debate

The disagreement centers on whether Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the current President, should be excluded from the party. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly and a key figure in Pastef, has stated that any such decision will be made by the party’s official bodies at the appropriate time.

Speaking to journalists, Sonko emphasized the structured nature of Pastef’s internal processes. “This matter will be addressed when the time comes,” he remarked. “The party operates under clear rules, including procedures for evaluating grievances before any exclusion can even be considered. Pastef is not a one-person entity—its decisions rest with its institutions.”

Sonko also clarified that no formal proceedings regarding Faye’s exclusion are underway. “We are not at that stage yet,” he confirmed.

Sonko avoids moral judgments on leadership disputes

When questioned about the serious accusation of “betrayal” leveled against President Faye, Sonko refrained from using the term. Instead, he framed the issue strictly within political terms. “Betrayal is a moral concept, not a political one,” he explained. “I prefer to focus on the unfulfilled promises made to the Senegalese people.”

He went on to express concern that several commitments made during the party’s campaign have not been honored, and he questioned the sincerity behind these pledges. “Today, I see that many of our promises to the people remain unmet, with no real intent to fulfill them,” he stated. “Matters of betrayal belong in the realm of morality, not politics.”

Internal divisions challenge Sénégal’s ruling coalition

The statements come amid growing tensions between key figures within the government and Pastef. For weeks, party members have criticized President Faye for straying from the political vision that originally brought the coalition to power.

Despite these pressures, Sonko has urged patience, advocating for adherence to the party’s internal mechanisms rather than rushing to conclusions about the President’s future in the movement.