The Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS) has taken a firm stance against the constitutional reform proposed by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, calling on Senegalese citizens to reject it in the upcoming referendum. This unexpected alignment with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s government reflects a shifting political landscape in Dakar, where alliances are being redrawn to counter growing tensions within the ruling coalition.
The controversial reform, which aims to strengthen parliamentary powers while curtailing those of the presidency, was passed by a majority in the National Assembly. Its adoption has sparked fierce debate, with critics accusing it of being a power grab disguised as institutional modernization. The PDS, once a vocal opponent of the current administration, now finds itself on the same side as the president, despite their historical rivalries.
from rivals to reluctant allies
The PDS’s decision to support Diomaye Faye’s referendum plan is the latest twist in a complex political narrative that began in 2022. During the July legislative elections, the PDS joined forces with Pastef to challenge President Macky Sall’s coalition. However, just before the March 2024 presidential vote, the party pivoted dramatically, backing the Sonko-Faye ticket after its own candidate, Karim Wade, was disqualified from the race. Wade, who had been exiled following his imprisonment, saw this move as a strategic way to retain political influence despite his exclusion.
For Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this unexpected support proved invaluable. It helped broaden his electoral base and provided crucial backing against Amadou Ba, the ruling party’s candidate. Yet, the alliance remained fragile, with no lasting partnership materializing after Faye’s victory. The PDS chose to remain independent, avoiding integration into the new government or Pastef’s coalition.
a temporary truce in a fractured opposition
Hamadou Tidiane Sy, director of the E-Jicom journalism school in Dakar, suggests that the PDS’s current alignment with Diomaye Faye is less about ideological unity and more about political survival. “The PDS is trying to reposition itself after losing power,” he explains. “They see an opportunity to re-enter the political fold by siding with the president, even if only temporarily.”
The analyst highlights another factor: the growing perception of Ousmane Sonko as a divisive figure. “Sonko is increasingly seen as an obstacle to national reconciliation,” Sy notes. “His radical rhetoric has alienated many in the opposition, pushing them toward Diomaye Faye as a more pragmatic alternative.”
opposition unites against sonko’s agenda
The PDS’s latest move is framed as a defense of Senegal’s democratic institutions. In an official statement, the party urged its supporters—and all Senegalese—to vote “no” in the referendum, accusing Sonko of attempting to concentrate power through constitutional manipulation. The communiqué decried what it described as Sonko’s personal ambitions, warning that his reforms threatened the very foundations of the republic.
Sy believes this stance extends beyond the PDS, reflecting broader opposition sentiment. “Even those who don’t openly support Diomaye are uniting against Sonko,” he says. “They see his approach as destabilizing and want to prevent it at all costs.”
diomaye faye’s strategic repositioning
For Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the PDS’s support comes at a critical moment. Facing mounting criticism within his own coalition, the president is seeking to consolidate his political base ahead of future challenges. Analysts suggest he is already preparing for life beyond Pastef, quietly building an alternative support network under his “Diomaye President” coalition.
According to Sy, the rift between Faye and Sonko’s party is now irreversible. “For Pastef’s members, Faye is already a traitor,” he states. “They view his actions as a betrayal of their shared vision.”
The unfolding political realignment in Senegal underscores how rapidly alliances can shift in response to power dynamics. While the PDS’s current alignment with Diomaye Faye may be temporary, it signals a new phase of negotiation—and potential conflict—as the country navigates its democratic future.
