The Pastef party has never been so solidly behind a single leader. Ousmane Sonko was re-elected head of his party with an overwhelming majority at Saturday’s congress. Removed from the prime minister’s post two weeks ago by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the former head of government—now President of the National Assembly—used the occasion to further cement his role as a political counterweight to the head of state. Holding a majority in parliament, Sonko declared that Pastef “will safeguard the interests of the people.” How will the relationship between Sonko and Diomaye Faye evolve in the months ahead? That is the question on many minds.
