Political turmoil in Senegal as pastef faces mass resignations

The wave of resignations sweeping through Pastef’s ranks—once loyal supporters of Ousmane Sonko—has exposed deep fractures within the party, now overshadowed by the emergence of a new presidential movement reshaping Senegal’s political landscape.

What began as sporadic departures has rapidly escalated into a full-blown exodus. Veteran party figures, rising stars, and heads of public agencies—once pillars of Pastef—are now stepping down in alarming numbers. The driving force behind this mass exit? A growing chasm between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, the party’s leader and Speaker of the National Assembly.

Once inseparable allies, the two men—who led the historic 2024 political shift—now find themselves locked in a bitter standoff. The tension reached its peak in May 2026 when Sonko was removed from his post as Prime Minister, a move that underscored months of simmering discord between the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s office. Though Sonko retained control of Pastef, President Faye has since moved to consolidate his authority over the state apparatus.

The first major crack in their alliance came in early June, when Minister Moussa Bala Fofana resigned from his third term heading the Urban Planning portfolio. The departure followed public criticism from Sonko, who accused certain ministers of straying from the party’s directives. Fofana denied acting on presidential orders, instead expressing his unwavering respect for his former mentor.

Constitutional reforms ignite further division

On July 3, President Faye escalated the divide by announcing plans to launch a new presidential party, a move that further cemented the perception of a final split between the Presidency and Pastef. In response, the “Diomaye Président” coalition has been actively mobilizing to absorb the flood of defectors.