Senegal’s dissolution debate: reaction and fallout after Diomaye Faye’s remarks

Reactions and fallout: what Diomaye Faye’s dissolution remarks mean for Senegal

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has publicly refused to rule out dissolving Senegal’s National Assembly, now led by his former ally Ousmane Sonko. In an interview in New York, Faye linked any decision to how relations between institutions evolve, while his government prepares to defend its budget choices before an Assembly dominated by the Pastef party.

Asked whether he would consider dissolving the Assembly, Faye replied: “Why exclude a prerogative that the Constitution gives you?” He announced neither a dissolution nor an election date. “Everything depends on necessity or context. When the time comes, based on what we face, we will decide,” he added.

The statement follows a political rupture he now openly acknowledges. Questioned about the dismissal of Ousmane Sonko as prime minister, Faye cited “persistent differences on certain issues.” “When this breach of trust persisted, I chose another prime minister,” he explained. He denied, however, that discussions with the International Monetary Fund alone caused their split.

The disagreement now also plays out in parliament. Sonko took the presidency of the National Assembly after leaving the government, giving him a central role in reviewing the executive’s legislation. Asked about a possible rejection of the amended finance bill by Pastef lawmakers, Faye defended each institution’s responsibility: “Everyone assumes their responsibilities, and the people arbitrate.”

To accusations of betrayal from some members of his former party, the president countered with his commitment as head of state. “The only thing I am capable of betraying is my oath,” he said. How the Assembly receives the government’s financial measures will largely determine how the political confrontation unfolds.

Macky Sall at the UN: Faye defends a surprising support

Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reaffirmed his backing for his predecessor Macky Sall’s bid for the United Nations secretary-general post. Despite doubts about his chances, the Senegalese president believes “the game remains open” and says he is in talks with members who will influence the choice.

To justify this position, Faye highlights Macky Sall’s international experience and Africa’s representation at the UN. “Who is better placed today to defend a stronger role for Africa than President Macky Sall?” he asked during the interview.

The head of state also invoked the debt issue, central to Senegal’s current financial difficulties. According to him, Macky Sall has “endured the ravages of debt,” an experience that would make him suited to advocate for reform of the international financial architecture. Faye did not address, in that response, the responsibilities attributed to the previous government regarding undeclared debt.

By Élise Ntamag — Regional policy