Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is preparing to launch a new political party, signaling a major break with his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, in a development that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
According to reports, Faye has tasked former Prime Minister Aminata Touré, one of Senegal’s most experienced political figures, with leading the formation of the new movement.
The move marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Faye and Sonko, whose political alliance propelled them to power following Senegal’s 2024 presidential election. Sonko, who now serves as Speaker of the National Assembly, has been advocating for constitutional reforms that would prohibit a sitting president from simultaneously serving as the leader of a political party.
Although Senegal’s Parliament approved the proposed constitutional amendments, President Faye opted not to sign them into law. Instead, he referred the reforms to a national referendum, allowing Senegalese voters to decide the issue.
The growing divide comes as Senegal faces mounting economic challenges following revelations that the country’s public debt had been significantly underreported by the previous administration. The revised debt figures have increased pressure on the government as it seeks to restore investor confidence and stabilize the economy.
Political analysts say the emergence of a new presidential party could alter the balance of power ahead of Senegal’s 2027 local elections, which are expected to serve as a key test of public support for the country’s new leadership.
The split between Faye and Sonko has drawn widespread attention because the two leaders were long regarded as close political allies whose reform agenda promised greater transparency, institutional reform, and economic renewal after years of political tensions under the previous government.
As preparations continue for the constitutional referendum, the evolving relationship between Senegal’s two most influential political figures is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s political future.
