On Monday, Senegal’s newly appointed Prime Minister unveiled the government lineup. Hours earlier, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party, announced that none of its members would be included in the cabinet.

This move formalizes the political rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, confirming the end of their once-united front.

The split has left many Senegalese students bewildered, particularly at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. For these young voters, the falling-out between the two leaders represents the collapse of the reformist vision they once championed.

A crushing disappointment for the duo’s supporters

Under the shade of the Faculty of Letters’ trees, student Amath Segnane reviews his notes. Like countless young voters, he had pinned his hopes on the partnership between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

The 22-year-old doesn’t hide his disillusionment. “They sold us a united front—Diomaye and Sonko, hand in hand, ready to rebuild this country. Now? A divorce. That’s a heavy blow,” he admits.

To him, the rupture shatters the image of cohesion that once defined their political rise.

An inevitable fracture, some argue

Minutes before his economics lecture, student Mamadou Bah reflects on the situation. To him, the split was long overdue.

“For a while, the former Prime Minister openly flouted authority. He acted as if he were above the President. So, his removal—and the ensuing rupture—doesn’t surprise me. I stand with the President,” he states.

Though disappointed by the turn of events, he believes the head of state acted within his rights to reclaim control of the executive.

Skepticism and uncertainty about what comes next

Not everyone accepts the idea of a permanent split. Omar Sarr, an Arabic studies student, still clings to hope for reconciliation between the two former allies.

“Without Sonko, Diomaye would never have risen to power. They worked side by side for years, all the way to the presidential victory. Now, opinions are split—some back Diomaye, others Sonko. I refuse to believe this is the end,” he insists.

Today, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye governs without the support of the ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party, while Ousmane Sonko, now Assembly President, has joined the opposition. This new political landscape continues to fuel debates across Senegalese society.