Senegal: the profound political rupture between president faye and prime minister sonko

Behind the terse official announcement, a significant political rupture has unfolded at the highest echelons of Senegalese power. Barely two years after their historic 2024 victory, the duo who embodied the aspirations of a generation has publicly fractured. With this split, perhaps, goes the most potent political narrative Senegal has witnessed since the democratic transition of 2000.

Indeed, the entire ascent of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye was built upon a pledge of absolute loyalty. « Diomaye moy Sonko » (Diomaye is Sonko and Sonko is Diomaye, in Wolof), was the rallying cry of Senegalese youth in the streets of Dakar, Ziguinchor, and Thiès.

« Diomaye moy Sonko »: a slogan that became a political snare

In reality, this political separation did not happen abruptly on Friday evening. It had been simmering since the duo’s rise to power in April 2024. At that time, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was not Pastef’s initial choice. Barred from running after a defamation conviction, Ousmane Sonko had designated his loyal lieutenant to carry the party’s banner.

The campaign slogan – « Diomaye moy Sonko » – served as an electoral bridge. It was a way of telling voters that a vote for Faye was, in essence, a vote for Sonko. This strategy proved remarkably effective: propelled by his mentor’s immense popularity, Diomaye Faye secured victory in the first round with nearly 54% of the votes.

However, once installed in the presidential palace, the equilibrium gradually became untenable. Ousmane Sonko continued to present himself as the true political gravitational center of the regime, frequently making assertive statements and reiterating that the “vision” primarily belonged to Pastef.

Conversely, Diomaye Faye progressively asserted himself as a fully-fledged Head of State, particularly concerning security and diplomatic matters. This presidential consolidation was perceived by some long-standing Pastef cadres as a distancing from the original political project.

A long-anticipated political separation

Officially, no specific reason was provided for the dismissal. Yet, in Dakar, few found it surprising. For several months, signs of a growing rift between the two leaders had been accumulating.

The President reportedly reproached his Prime Minister for an “excessive personalization” of power and an overwhelming media presence. In early May, in a televised interview that served as a clear warning, Diomaye Faye publicly reined in his head of government: « As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he benefits from my trust. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister. »

Facing this, Sonko no longer concealed his impatience. Still the undisputed leader of Pastef, which holds a parliamentary majority since the November 2024 legislative elections, he continued to address the militant base as the authentic custodian of the political project born in opposition to Macky Sall.

Behind the scenes of power, two factions had gradually emerged: the “legalists” surrounding the President, focused on establishing an autonomous presidency, and the “historic Sonkists,” convinced that Diomaye Faye was merely a temporary repository of the popular mandate embodied by Sonko.

By late 2025, the President had begun structuring his own political apparatus around the « Diomaye Président » movement, progressively reducing the influence of Sonko’s loyalists within power circles. In response, Sonko’s camp issued multiple public warnings against what they viewed as a departure from Pastef’s original promises.

The electoral reform adopted in late April, potentially paving the way for a Sonko candidacy in 2029, acted as an accelerator. In Dakar, many interpreted this as the unofficial start of a presidential campaign.

Economic rifts fuel the leadership divide: IMF, debt, and fuel subsidies

The most profound disagreement, however, concerned the nation’s economic management. According to several government and diplomatic sources in Dakar, discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crystallized the tensions between the two men.

Upon assuming power, the new regime discovered the true extent of Senegal’s indebtedness, accusing former President Macky Sall of concealing a portion of the public debt. The IMF subsequently suspended a $1.8 billion program, compelling the executive to engage in delicate negotiations with international lenders.

Within the presidential entourage, some criticized Sonko’s stance as too radical concerning IMF demands, particularly on budgetary reforms and the reduction of energy subsidies. Conversely, the Prime Minister’s allies accused the presidential camp of gradually abandoning Pastef’s sovereignist and social commitments.

Finance Minister Cheikh Diba reportedly alerted the executive to the escalating cost of energy subsidies amidst massive indebtedness. According to several observers in Dakar, disagreements over a potential increase in fuel prices ultimately paralyzed the governmental apparatus.

Senegal now faces a debt-to-GDP ratio equivalent to 132%, according to the IMF, making the country one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most indebted nations.

The pivotal speech and its implications

Even on Friday, just hours before his ousting, Sonko appeared combative at the National Assembly. Interrogated about the recent law toughening sanctions against homosexuality, he lashed out at “the tyranny” of the West, which he claimed sought to “impose” its values on Senegal.

The Prime Minister denounced a Western “diktat,” refusing any “moratorium” on the application of this controversial law. This discourse was applauded by Pastef deputies but also reignited concerns among Senegal’s Western partners at a time when Dakar is striving to restore its financial credibility with the IMF. In this explosive context, Diomaye Faye appears to have opted for a firm reassertion of control.

An electric night across Dakar

As soon as the presidential decree was announced, social media erupted. Outside Ousmane Sonko’s home in Keur Gorgui, hundreds of supporters flocked through the night, chanting his name and decrying a “betrayal.”