President Faye seeks to consolidate support with new political formation
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken a decisive step toward reshaping the country’s political landscape by announcing the creation of a new political party. The announcement came during a four-hour meeting with 306 mayors representing all 14 regions of Senegal and members of the Coalition Diomaye Président. According to an official statement from the coalition, this move aims to formalize and strengthen the president’s support base amid shifting power dynamics within the government.
The newly proposed party will be structured under the guidance of Aminata Touré, the coalition’s general supervisor, who has been tasked with establishing a dedicated committee. This group will be responsible for developing the party’s organizational and statutory framework in the coming weeks, ensuring it is ready for upcoming electoral challenges.
The coalition emphasized that this initiative represents a natural progression of its commitment to governance, with the new party designed to foster a cohesive political structure centered around the president. Local elected officials at the meeting reaffirmed their backing for the president’s agenda, particularly highlighting his commitment to territorial equity by prioritizing local governance in public policy decisions.
Growing tensions with Ousmane Sonko
This political restructuring unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between President Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, who stepped down as Prime Minister in May 2026, now serves as President of the National Assembly, where he maintains significant influence through his parliamentary majority.
The rift between the two leaders has intensified following the adoption of a constitutional reform by lawmakers on June 29. The reform includes key provisions such as prohibiting the president from simultaneously leading a political party, transforming the Constitutional Council into a Constitutional Court, and expanding parliamentary powers.
At the heart of their disagreement is the method for finalizing the reform. While Sonko advocates for direct promulgation by the president, citing legal precedent, Faye insists on holding a referendum to allow citizens to weigh in directly. The date for such a referendum has yet to be determined.
