President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has formed a new cabinet excluding members from the PASTEF party, led by his former ally Ousmane Sonko, who was recently dismissed as Prime Minister and appointed President of the National Assembly. The decision follows a breakdown in negotiations over government composition, with Sonko’s party expressing fundamental disagreements over executive roles.

The announcement comes just 12 days after Sonko’s removal, marking the culmination of months of escalating tensions between the two leaders. The political rift deepens concerns over Senegal’s economic stability, already strained by a severe financial crisis triggered by a 2024 debt underreporting scandal.

Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, Sonko’s successor as Prime Minister, presented a 30-member cabinet list notably devoid of key PASTEF figures. Sonko’s party had earlier declared its refusal to participate, citing unresolved disagreements in a statement posted on social media. The communiqué highlighted “convergences confirmed but also significant points of disagreement,” particularly concerning the ruling party’s role in the executive structure.

“Following internal consultations, new proposals were submitted to the President without favorable response,” the statement read. “Consequently, PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any ministers.”

This political fracture occurs as Senegal grapples with mounting economic challenges, including a 2024 debt revelation that pushed public debt to 132% of GDP by year-end. The International Monetary Fund suspended a $1.8 billion loan program, though authorities anticipate resuming talks soon, aiming for a key agreement by June 30.

Finance Minister’s recent remarks suggested cautious optimism about securing critical concessions to stabilize the economy in the coming weeks.