Senegal political crisis erupts as sonko threatens government overthrow

Mbacké rally escalates tensions

Political tensions in Senegal reached a new peak on July 12 in Mbacké, where Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, delivered a fiery speech targeting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his administration. The former Prime Minister accused the executive of abandoning the sovereignist renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts—a cornerstone promise of their coalition. His remarks, widely circulated online the following day, also condemned what he described as rampant corruption within state institutions.

Sonko’s language was unequivocal: he declared his intention to file a no-confidence motion to topple the government of Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, who was appointed Prime Minister on May 25 through a presidential decree. The move signals an escalation in a bitter power struggle between two former allies who once stood united under the Pastef banner.

Breaking point in may

The latest confrontation follows a dramatic rupture in late May. President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko from the premiership, triggering the dissolution of the entire government. The decision stunned observers, as the two men had been regarded as inseparable pillars of the Pastef movement since the March 2024 presidential election.

While Sonko was sidelined to the Assembly presidency—a strategic yet indirect role—he has used this platform to intensify his criticism of the government. His public attacks underscore a power struggle that shows no signs of abating.

Local leaders shift allegiance to Faye

As Sonko rallies his base, President Faye is shoring up support across the country. On July 12, the same day as the Mbacké meeting, ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour publicly declared their backing for the head of state. This show of strength comes as Faye pushes to establish a political base independent of the original Pastef movement.

The August 8 founding congress of his new party, scheduled for Dakar Arena, marks a clear break from Sonko and the movement that propelled both men to power. The event symbolizes Faye’s determination to carve out his own political identity.

Constitutional battle adds to tensions

Sonko’s criticism extends beyond economic policies. He has also targeted the Constitutional Council’s decision to invalidate a constitutional reform, directly implicating President Faye in the controversy. The confrontation underscores the depth of the rift, especially as both men were once seen as partners in Senegal’s political transformation.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô responded swiftly, using social media to reject Sonko’s accusations of exploiting patriotism for political gain. The exchange highlights the executive’s resolve to resist destabilization.

Senegal’s evolving political landscape

Senegal, home to 18 million people in West Africa, underwent a historic political shift in March 2024 with Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election. Backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, Faye promised to end the practices of the previous regime and prioritize sovereign control over natural resources, particularly offshore oil and gas reserves near Dakar.

Mbacké, where Sonko held his rally, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the heart of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood—a powerful force in Senegalese politics. Touba, a neighboring city and the spiritual capital of the Mourides, is a key electoral battleground. Sonko’s presence in the area reflects his efforts to consolidate support in a region where President Faye is also vying for influence.

No-confidence motion looms large

The threat of a no-confidence motion is not an empty gesture. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Sonko holds procedural tools to initiate such a process. Whether he can secure the required majority remains uncertain. While the Pastef holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly, the question now is how many lawmakers will follow Sonko in defying a president from their own movement.

The standoff between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of contracts with multinational corporations and the future political direction of Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 party congress could mark another turning point in a crisis that is fracturing the coalition that once promised change.