In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to establish his own political party, signaling a definitive break from his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, and their shared political platform, the Pastef.

The initiative, spearheaded by Aminata Touré, a senior advisor to the president, involves assembling a dedicated team to draft the party’s foundational structure and principles.

Faye’s departure from the Pastef follows a prolonged period of escalating tensions with Sonko, culminating in his dismissal as Prime Minister in May. The rift reflects deeper ideological and strategic disagreements that have reshaped the political landscape in Senegal.

As the nation grapples with the fallout from a hidden debt crisis inherited from the previous administration, the formation of this new party adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile environment. Both leaders are now positioning themselves for the upcoming local elections in 2027, where voter sentiment will serve as a critical barometer of their respective influence across the country.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst