June 23, 2026

The African Tribune

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Senegal’s political tensions: Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko at a crossroads

Appels sur l’actualité

From Dakar: Senegal’s shifting political landscape

The brief alliance between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko lasted barely two years. With the president sidelining his former prime minister, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown. As Sonko assumes leadership of both Parliament and his party, Pastef, the question arises: can this fractured duo coexist, or will Senegal’s urgent priorities fall by the wayside?

Former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko (left) and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (right) at the presidential palace in Dakar on October 16, 2025.

Panel of experts:

  • Abdoulaye Tine, senior advisor and presidential spokesperson
  • Amadou Ba, former Culture Minister, deputy, and Pastef’s National Secretary for Communications
  • Babacar Ndiaye, political analyst and director of research at Wathi think tank

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