Political turbulence in Senegal as pastef faces mass resignations

What began as isolated departures has escalated into a full-blown exodus. Veteran members, young activists, and heads of public agencies are steadily abandoning Pastef. The growing list of defectors points to a single, undeniable reality: an irreparable rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, the Assembly President and party leader.

Once united by the historic 2024 election that ended decades of one-party dominance, the two men now stand on opposing sides of a widening divide. Their alliance, hailed as a symbol of democratic renewal, collapsed after Sonko was removed from the Prime Minister’s office in May 2026—a move that capped months of tension between the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s office. Though Sonko retained his position as Assembly President, he kept control of the party, while Faye sought to consolidate state power.

The first major sign of this schism came in early June when Urbanism Minister Moussa Bala Fofana resigned. His departure followed public criticism from Sonko, who accused certain ministers of ignoring party directives. Fofana maintained he acted independently, expressing unwavering respect for his former mentor despite the rupture.

Constitutional reforms spark further division

On July 3, President Faye took a decisive step by announcing plans to launch a new presidential party. This move solidified the perception of an irreconcilable split between the Presidency and the party that once spearheaded their rise to power. On the ground, the ‘Diomaye Président’ coalition is actively reorganizing to absorb incoming supporters.