Senegal opposition sides with Diomaye Faye to counter Sonko’s influence

In Sénégal, the Parti démocratique sénégalais (PDS) has officially called for a “no” vote in the upcoming referendum regarding constitutional revisions.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently announced that a national consultation would be held, allowing citizens to decide the fate of a law that has sparked significant controversy across the country.

The proposed legislation, which received majority support in the National Assembly, was put forward by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party. It aims to significantly bolster the powers of Parliament while placing new restrictions on the authority of the President.

By rallying behind the President’s stance, the PDS is urging its followers to reject these reforms. This alignment with Bassirou Diomaye Faye by the party of Abdoulaye Wade is a calculated move that follows a history of complex political maneuvers.

The evolution of the PDS-Diomaye relationship

The roots of this connection trace back to the July 2022 legislative elections, when the PDS formed an alliance with Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef to challenge the administration of Macky Sall.

This cooperation deepened just before the March 2024 presidential election. After Karim Wade was excluded from the race, the PDS leadership decided to endorse the Ousmane Sonko–Bassirou Diomaye Faye ticket. This endorsement was a turning point, providing Bassirou Diomaye Faye with the broader electoral base necessary to secure his victory.

While the official narrative focused on protecting the rule of law and defeating the incumbent’s candidate, Amadou Ba, the PDS had its own motivations. The party blamed the camp of Macky Sall for Karim Wade’s disqualification and hoped that supporting the opposition would allow their exiled leader to retain political leverage.

Strategic distance despite shared goals

However, the partnership did not lead to a formal governing coalition. Following the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the PDS chose to maintain its autonomy, staying away from both Pastef and the presidential inner circle.

This distance suggests that the proximity between the two groups was a matter of political calculation rather than ideological unity. The PDS is currently attempting to re-establish itself in the political landscape after a long period of decline. By positioning themselves near the seat of power, they aim to ensure their continued existence as a major force.

Furthermore, some believe that Karim Wade was waiting for the radical rhetoric of the new leaders to lose its appeal. This theory gained weight when the PDS briefly allied with Macky Sall’s APR during the late 2024 legislative elections, despite their long-standing rivalry.

A united front against Ousmane Sonko

The growing friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has presented the PDS with a fresh opportunity to pivot. The party supports the President’s decision to hold a referendum but is actively campaigning for the public to reject the proposed institutional changes.

In a formal statement, the PDS urged its members and the broader Senegalese public to block the reforms. They argued that these repeated attempts to modify the constitution are driven by Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and a disregard for republican institutions.

This stance reflects a broader trend within the opposition. Many political actors now view Ousmane Sonko as a disruptive figure who hinders national reconciliation with his radical approach. While they may not be permanent allies of the President, they are united in their opposition to Sonko’s perceived attempt to seize control of all levers of power through the National Assembly.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye seeks a new path

This shifting political landscape could ultimately benefit Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As he faces increasing internal pressure from Pastef, the President is working to solidify his own political foundation. In this context, future support from established parties like the PDS could be vital.

It appears the President is already preparing for a future independent of Pastef, focusing on strengthening his own “Diomaye President” coalition. For many observers, the rift between the President and Ousmane Sonko’s party is now irreversible, with some within Pastef already labeling the President’s recent moves as an act of betrayal.