The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, inaugurated his new political party, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains, on Saturday, July 25 in Dakar. This launch marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, following his separation from the PASTEF, once led by his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko.
The founding assembly of KIIRAAY was held in one of the city’s prominent hotels, where the party’s core principles were unveiled. With the motto « La Patrie d’abord » (The Homeland First), the new formation emphasizes national interest, democratic strengthening, and the reinforcement of the rule of law as its guiding pillars.
Derived from the Wolof language, the name KIIRAAY translates to « what protects ». This symbolic choice reflects the party’s mission to align with President Faye’s governance vision and unite those who share his transformative agenda for Senegal’s future.
In a unanimous vote during the assembly, delegates elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the party’s president. This decision follows his earlier departure from the leadership of PASTEF, signaling a strategic shift in his political trajectory at the start of his presidential term.
A resolution presented by Aminata Touré, former coordinator of the Diomaye Président coalition, outlined that KIIRAAY emerged from the merger of 437 political parties, movements, and associations. These entities have united under a shared objective: to bolster the reforms initiated by the head of state and accelerate the country’s development ambitions.
The establishment of KIIRAAY is being closely monitored by international partners, investors, and development stakeholders. As Senegal advances with its Vision Sénégal 2050 strategy, institutional stability and transparent governance remain critical to bolstering market confidence, attracting foreign investments, and reinforcing international alliances.
The emergence of this new political force is poised to recalibrate the dynamics within the presidential majority and the opposition, especially with upcoming electoral milestones on the horizon. It is also expected to shape the framework for future economic and institutional reforms, setting the tone for the country’s political and developmental trajectory.
