Yankhoba Diémé: « The Pastef is now a hollow shell »

Three senior government ministers—including Yankhoba Diémé—have abandoned the Pastef party, declaring it a political void and publicly pledging allegiance to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This dramatic shift reshapes the political landscape of Senegal.
Ministers Ibrahima Sy, Yankhoba Diémé, and Alioune Dione—once key figures in Ousmane Sonko’s opposition movement—have made a decisive break. Their departure marks a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political evolution.
After years opposing the previous administration and rallying behind Sonko’s reformist agenda, they now prioritize national unity over partisan loyalty. Their decision underscores a commitment to the Republic and its institutions over personal or factional interests.
« The Pastef has become a hollow shell, devoid of substance or direction, » declared Yankhoba Diémé, former departmental coordinator for the party in Bignona. « Today, I join my fellow citizens in supporting President Diomaye’s movement—a force for progress and renewal. »
Alioune Dione, former Pastef political leader in Diourbel, echoed the sentiment: « I stand with the president and his vision for a stronger, united Senegal. »