Senegal president forms new cabinet amid party tensions
While some figures from PASTEF—the party of former prime minister Ousmane Sonko—were included in the newly announced cabinet on Monday, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the president’s former ally.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has unveiled a new cabinet that includes several members and allies of PASTEF, despite the party’s stated refusal to participate in the administration. The announcement comes just over a week after President Faye, who also hails from PASTEF, dismissed Ousmane Sonko—now serving as President of the National Assembly—from his previous role.
Political divide deepens
The new cabinet’s formation follows months of escalating tensions between President Faye and former Prime Minister Sonko, once considered close allies and co-victors of the March 2024 presidential election under the slogan *Sonko mooy Diomaye* (Sonko is Diomaye in Wolof). The rift culminated in Sonko’s removal from office, after which he was elected Speaker of Parliament.
In a statement released on social media, the PASTEF leader declared his party’s refusal to join the cabinet, citing unresolved disagreements over the role of the majority in the executive structure. Despite attempts to reconcile differences, no favorable response was received from the president, leading to the party’s withdrawal from participation.
Government reshuffle reveals key changes
The newly appointed cabinet, led by Prime Minister Amadou Al Aminou Lô, includes 30 ministers, with notable absences of prominent PASTEF figures from the previous administration. However, some lesser-known party members have been retained, such as Moussa Bala Fofana (Minister of Urban Planning) and Yankhoba Diémé (Minister of Armed Forces). Several former ministers, including Cheikh Diba (Finance), Moustapha Mamba Guirassy (Education), and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye (Sanitation), have been reappointed.
During the announcement broadcast live on national television, the prime minister emphasized the president’s commitment to prioritizing national interests over partisan considerations, stating, «A statesman must always ensure that the nation and the Republic come first.»
From allies to rivals
The cabinet reshuffle marks a decisive break between Faye and Sonko, whose political partnership once defined the country’s leadership. Tensions surfaced publicly in July 2025 when Sonko, then prime minister, criticized what he called a lack of authority under President Faye. The president later accused Sonko of excessive personalization within the ruling party, further straining their relationship.
