President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveils political realignment strategy
In a bold political maneuver, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on July 3 the formation of a new political party designed to consolidate support for his administration. The announcement followed a four-hour meeting with 306 mayors from all 14 regions of Senegal, all members of the Coalition Diomaye Président.
According to the coalition’s official statement, this initiative aims to formalize the president’s political backing and strengthen his institutional base amid shifting power dynamics within the government. President Faye has tasked Aminata Touré, the coalition’s general supervisor, with establishing a dedicated committee to develop the party’s foundational statutes and organizational framework without delay.
The coalition emphasized that this move represents a logical progression in their commitment, with the new party expected to foster an organic unity around the president ahead of upcoming elections. During the gathering, local officials reaffirmed their full support for the president’s agenda, particularly praising his focus on territorial equity by prioritizing local governance in public policy.
Breaking ties with former ally Ousmane Sonko
The political landscape in Senegal has become increasingly strained following a sharp divergence between President Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, who left the Prime Minister’s office in May 2026, now serves as President of the National Assembly, where his parliamentary majority continues to wield significant influence.
Their growing rift reached a critical point with the adoption of a constitutional reform by lawmakers on June 29. The reform includes three key provisions: a ban on the president simultaneously leading a political party, the transformation of the Constitutional Council into a full Constitutional Court, and expanded powers for the legislature.
The disagreement between the two leaders now centers on the finalization of this reform. While Sonko advocates for direct promulgation by the president, citing legal precedent, President Faye insists on holding a referendum to allow citizens to weigh in directly—a vote whose date remains undetermined.
