Senegal’s political landscape shifts as president faye dismisses prime minister sonko

The popular rallying cry, « Diomaye Moy Sonko » (meaning “Diomaye is Sonko” in Wolof), has officially come to an end. The formidable political partnership between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, which successfully propelled them to power in April 2024 amidst widespread public rejection of former President Macky Sall, has now dissolved dramatically.

Ousmane Sonko was barred from running in the presidential election due to a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civil rights. In response, he threw his support behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, likely with the expectation of maintaining significant influence and assuming the leadership of the government.

For twelve years, these two figures had been steadfast allies within the Pastef party, known as the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity. Throughout this extensive period, they had never publicly displayed any signs of disagreement. However, just two years into their administration, the relationship between President Faye and his Prime Minister Sonko has visibly deteriorated, leading to this abrupt separation…