Sénégal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled a new government cabinet this Monday, June 1, notably without the inclusion of his own party, Pastef. The decision was announced by the government itself, following a declaration from Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko, who cited fundamental “disagreement” with President Faye regarding the composition of the ministerial list.

This pivotal announcement emerges just 12 days after President Faye relieved Ousmane Sonko, his long-time political ally and former Prime Minister, of his duties. Sonko has since taken on the significant role of President of the National Assembly. The political separation between these two key figures, a culmination of months of underlying tensions, has introduced a period of heightened political uncertainty in Sénégal, a nation already grappling with a severe financial crisis.

Ousmane Sonko’s former position was filled by Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who unveiled a cabinet comprising 30 ministers. This new list conspicuously omits several prominent figures from the ruling Pastef party who had served in the previous government.

Moments before this announcement, the Pastef leader issued a statement via social media, confirming his party’s decision to not join the new government. The statement highlighted a “long discussion” held that morning between himself and the President of the Republic. While acknowledging certain areas of convergence, the communiqué underscored significant “points of disagreement,” particularly concerning the role and influence of the majority party within the executive framework.

The statement further indicated that “following a feedback meeting with party instances, new proposals were presented to the President of the Republic, without a favorable response.” Consequently, the communiqué concluded, “PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not participate in the upcoming government and will not be represented by any minister.”

This political turbulence unfolds as Sénégal endeavors to navigate pressing economic challenges. These difficulties are partly attributed to a significant under-declaration of national debt by the previous administration in 2024. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) subsequently suspended its $1.8 billion loan program to Sénégal, contributing to the nation’s debt burden reaching 132% of its Gross Domestic Product by the close of 2024. The Finance Minister recently shared that Sénégal intends to recommence discussions with the IMF in the coming week, with aspirations of reaching an agreement on crucial terms by June 30.