Political turmoil in Senegal as pastef faces mass resignations

The wave of high-profile departures from Pastef has intensified, with former allies of Ousmane Sonko joining the exodus, signaling a deepening rift in Senegal’s political landscape.

From isolated departures to a political hemorrhage

What began as scattered resignations has rapidly escalated into a full-blown crisis. Veteran party members, rising stars, and heads of public agencies have successively left Pastef in recent weeks. The exodus reflects a growing divide between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, the National Assembly leader and party founder.

Once united by the March 2024 political shift that brought them to power, the two leaders now represent opposing forces in Senegal’s government. Their alliance, once hailed as a symbol of democratic renewal, has crumbled since Sonko’s removal from the Prime Minister’s office in May 2026—a decision that capped months of simmering tensions between the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s office. Despite his removal, Sonko retained control of Pastef, while President Faye moved to consolidate authority over the state apparatus.

A defining moment for Senegal’s political future

The rupture became undeniable in early June when Minister Moussa Bala Fofana resigned from his third term as Urban Planning Minister. His departure followed public criticism from Sonko, who accused certain ministers of disregarding party directives. Fofana denied acting on presidential orders, instead expressing respect for his former mentor.

Constitutional reforms spark further division

On July 3, President Faye took a decisive step by announcing the formation of a new presidential party aimed at unifying political support. This move has cemented perceptions of an irreversible split between the Presidency and Pastef, the party that once defined their shared political vision. Meanwhile, the coalition ‘Diomaye Président’ has begun mobilizing to absorb incoming members.