The newly appointed government of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye includes several figures from the Pastef party, despite its leader Ousmane Sonko’s public refusal to participate in the administration. The announcement came just days after President Faye, also a Pastef member, dismissed Ousmane Sonko, who now serves as President of the National Assembly.
This political rift follows months of escalating tensions between the two leaders, which have plunged the nation into uncertainty amid a severe economic crisis.
government composition and party boycott
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô unveiled a 30-member cabinet list on Monday, omitting key figures from the ruling Pastef party who were part of the previous administration. Earlier, Ousmane Sonko had declared in a social media statement that his party would not join the new government, citing disagreements over the executive’s structure and the role of the majority.
key disagreements and party stance
The Pastef leader revealed that while some common ground was found during discussions with President Faye, fundamental disagreements persisted regarding the party’s influence in the executive branch. After consulting with party officials, new proposals were submitted to the President but were ultimately rejected.
The statement concluded with a firm decision: “PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any minister.”
retained ministers and party allies
Despite the boycott, several lesser-known party members secured ministerial positions, including Moussa Bala Fofana (Minister of Urban Planning) and Yankhoba Diémé (Minister of Armed Forces). President Faye retained key figures such as Finance Minister Cheikh Diba, Education Minister Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, and Sanitation Minister Cheikh Tidiane Dièye.
Prime Minister Lô emphasized that the cabinet formation followed standard consultations with all stakeholders, including Pastef’s leader. He also stressed the President’s commitment to prioritizing national interests over partisan considerations, as announced during the live broadcast on state television, RTS.
political rupture and its implications
This marks a decisive break between Faye and Sonko, longtime allies and co-victors of the March 2024 presidential election under the slogan “Sonko mooy Diomaye” (Sonko is Diomaye). Their partnership, once seen as unshakable, has frayed over time, culminating in Sonko’s dismissal in late May.
Sonko, barred from running due to a prior conviction, had backed Faye’s candidacy. However, tensions surfaced publicly in July 2025 when Sonko, then Prime Minister, criticized what he called a “lack of authority” in governance. By May 2026, President Faye had accused his former PM of “excessive personalization” within the party.
