In a decisive show of strength, Ousmane Sonko, Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly and former Prime Minister, has secured re-election as leader of his party, Pastef. The landmark victory, achieved during the party’s first national congress in Diamniadio near Dakar, follows a period of intense political turmoil in the country.
Under Sonko’s leadership since Pastef’s founding in 2014, the party has become a dominant force in Senegalese politics. His re-election to a six-year term underscores the party’s enduring influence and sets the stage for continued confrontation with rivals in a deeply polarized landscape.
Addressing delegates at the congress, Sonko emphasized the gravity of his new mandate, stating, “I fully grasp the weight of this responsibility, as Pastef is no ordinary party in Senegal’s political arena.”
He cautioned against the fragility of revolutionary movements, warning that without a clear ideology and robust organizational structure, such movements risk dilution or co-optation. “Revolutions can be derailed, absorbed, or stripped of their essence when they lack a coherent vision or the institutional backbone to sustain change,” he remarked.
The political stakes have escalated since Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s rise to the presidency in 2024, a victory backed by Pastef. Sonko, who was initially barred from the presidential race, later saw his former protégé assume office. Tensions peaked in May 2024 when Faye removed Sonko from the prime ministership, a move followed shortly thereafter by Sonko’s election as Assembly Speaker.
At the congress, Sonko issued a stern warning to adversaries seeking to undermine Pastef’s political project. “Any attempt to sabotage this revolution will fail because the people, standing alongside Pastef, will provide the necessary safeguards to finally liberate our nation,” he declared.
The party’s leadership has taken a hardline stance, boycotting the government formed by Faye despite the inclusion of some Pastef members. With a commanding majority of 130 seats in the 165-member Assembly, Pastef holds the power to trigger a no-confidence motion at any time. Meanwhile, Faye retains the authority to reshuffle his cabinet post-censure and dissolve the Assembly as early as November 2026.
