Senegal political crisis: Sonko threatens to topple Faye’s government after Mbacké rally

Escalating tensions in Touba-Mbacké

Political temperatures have risen sharply in Senegal as Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, delivered a fiery address in Mbacké on July 12. The leader of the Pastef movement accused the Faye administration of abandoning key campaign promises, particularly sovereign renegotiation of oil, gas and mining contracts. His speech, widely shared online the following day, condemned what he called a betrayal of the Pastef project and highlighted alleged corruption within state institutions.

Sonko made his intentions clear: he intends to introduce a no-confidence motion to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, appointed on May 25 via presidential decree.

Political divorce finalized in May

This confrontation follows an irreparable split between Faye and Sonko. On May 22, 2026, the president abruptly dismissed Sonko from the premiership, dissolving the entire government. The move stunned observers, as the two leaders had been seen as the twin pillars of the Pastef movement since the March 2024 presidential election.

Three days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô took over as head of government. Sonko, meanwhile, was elevated to Speaker of the National Assembly—a strategic but less influential role. Rather than recede from public life, Sonko has used this platform to intensify his criticism of the executive branch.

Mayors rally behind President Faye

While Sonko escalates his offensive, President Faye is shoring up grassroots support. On the same day as the Mbacké rally—July 12—ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour district publicly pledged their allegiance to the head of state. This show of strength coincides with Faye’s efforts to build a political base independent of the historic Pastef party.

The founding congress of Faye’s new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026 at Dakar Arena. The event signals the president’s determination to break free from Sonko’s influence and the movement that propelled them both to power.

Multi-front confrontation intensifies

Sonko’s criticism extends beyond resource contracts. He also targeted the constitutional review process, publicly condemning the seven-member Constitutional Council for overturning proposed amendments and directly implicating President Faye in the decision. The rhetoric reflects a full-blown opposition campaign, despite both leaders hailing from the same political camp.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô responded swiftly on social media, rejecting Sonko’s accusations as politically motivated attempts to exploit patriotism. The exchange underscores the executive’s resolve to withstand pressure.

Context: Senegal’s new political landscape

Senegal, a nation of 18 million people on Africa’s westernmost tip, underwent a historic political transition in March 2024 with the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Backed by the Pastef movement and its figurehead Ousmane Sonko, Faye vowed to end entrenched practices and assert control over the country’s natural resources, including major offshore oil and gas discoveries near Dakar.

Mbacké, where the July 12 rally took place, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the heart of Senegal’s Mouride Sufi brotherhood. Touba, its neighboring spiritual capital, is a critical electoral battleground. Sonko’s presence there is deliberate: he aims to reinforce his support base in a region where President Faye is also seeking to establish influence.

Legal pathway for no-confidence motion

A no-confidence motion against the government is not merely symbolic—it carries legal weight. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Sonko holds procedural tools to initiate such a motion. The key question is whether he commands sufficient parliamentary backing to succeed. The Pastef holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, but it remains uncertain how many deputies will follow Sonko in challenging a president from their own movement.

The power struggle between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of multinational contracts and the future political direction of post-transition Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 launch of Faye’s new party could mark the next decisive chapter in this growing crisis within the ruling coalition.