On Monday, Senegal’s new Prime Minister unveiled the cabinet reshuffle. Hours earlier, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party, had declared that none of its members would be included.

This move formalizes the political rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, confirming the end of their once-close partnership.

The split has left many Senegalese students bewildered. At Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University, young supporters struggle to accept the collapse of the duo that once symbolized national renewal.

Disillusionment grips the movement’s youth

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

The student voices his disillusionment openly. ‘They sold us the idea that Diomaye and Sonko were inseparable. They made us believe they trusted each other completely and would work side by side to rebuild this nation. But if today we witness this breakup, it’s nothing short of crushing disappointment’, he admits.

For him, the separation undermines the unity image that fueled their political rise.

Others saw the split as inevitable

Moments before his economics class begins, student Mamadou Bah reflects on the situation. He believes the rupture could have been foreseen.

‘For a long time, we could see the former Prime Minister disregarding authority. He positioned himself above the President. I wasn’t surprised when he was removed from office—and therefore not by the split either. I fully support the President’s decision,’ he states.

Though disappointed, he acknowledges that the Head of State was justified in reclaiming control of the executive.

Skepticism and uncertainty about what comes next

Not everyone accepts the finality of the rupture. Omar Sarr, an Arabic studies student, clings to hope for reconciliation between the former allies.

‘Without Sonko, Diomaye would never have reached the presidency. They worked together for years to win the election. Now, opinions are split: some back Diomaye, others Sonko. I refuse to accept that this is permanent. I simply cannot believe it,’ he asserts.

Now, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye governs without the backing of the ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party, while Ousmane Sonko, now Assembly President, joins the opposition ranks. This new political landscape continues to fuel debates and uncertainty across Senegalese society.