Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye formally established his Republican Patriots party, marking an official break with Ousmane Sonko, who leads the ruling Pastef party. The two political figures had risen to power jointly in 2024 under the Pastef banner, which stands for Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Éthique et la Fraternité. Their alliance had been deteriorating over recent months, and the party launch represents a significant escalation in their conflict.
The rupture between the former allies stems from disagreements over major policy directions, particularly regarding negotiations with the International Monetary Fund concerning a loan program as Senegal faces a severe debt crisis. Earlier this year, Faye removed Sonko from his position as prime minister. Despite this removal, Sonko’s party maintained substantial parliamentary strength and he subsequently became president of the National Assembly. A new prime minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, was appointed in May, followed by Cabinet formation the following month that excluded Pastef representatives after Sonko’s party announced it would not participate in the government.
In the period leading up to the formal party launch, numerous Pastef officials defected to join Faye’s camp, including several regional leaders and members of the youth wing. Additionally, some members from the opposition Alliance for The Republic party joined Faye’s movement, signaling broader political realignment.
Faye and Sonko had campaigned jointly in 2024 with promises to generate employment for young citizens, combat corruption, and increase Senegal’s revenue from oil, gas, and mineral resources. However, implementation of these commitments has become increasingly difficult as Senegal’s debt situation has deteriorated following revelations that the previous administration had concealed billions of dollars in borrowing. The establishment of Faye’s new party is expected to create a political competition between the former partners that will likely manifest in local elections in 2027 and could significantly influence the 2029 presidential campaign.
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