Senegal's President launches his own political party cementing rift with former PM

News Senegal's President launches his own political party cementing rift with former PM Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses the UN General Assembly, New York, 22 September 2025.   -   Copyright © africanews Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. By Rédaction Africanews with AP Last updated: 26/07 - 14:17 Senegal Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched his own political party on Saturday, using the occasion to consolidate his support base. The move cements his rift with his ally-turned-rival Ousmane Sonko who heads the country’s ruling Pastef party. The two men, who rose to power together in 2024 under the party’s banner, are widely expected to face each other in the 2029 presidential election. In the weeks leading up to the launch of Faye's Kiray or Republican Patriots, a growing number of Pastef officials resigned to join his camp. Several members of the opposition party Alliance for The Republic have also joined the president’s movement, including several regional leaders and members of its youth wing. Faye and Sonko's alliance unravelled amid disputes over key policy decisions. This included how to approach negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a loan program amid the country’s severe debt crisis. Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister earlier this year, but Sonko’s party retained its large majority in parliament, and he was elected president of the National Assembly soon after. A new prime minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, was appointed in May, but the Cabinet was formed without any ministers from Pastef, after Sonko announced his party would not take part in the government. In 2024, Faye and Sonko campaigned together on pledges to create jobs for young people, crack down on corruption, and win Senegal a bigger share of revenue from its oil, gas, and mineral wealth. But those promises have grown harder to deliver. The country’s debt burden has worsened since they took office, after officials discovered that the previous administration had underreported billions of dollars in borrowing. The formation of Faye’s new party sets up a political showdown between the former allies that is likely to play out in local elections in 2027 and could shape the campaign for the 2029 presidential race. You may also like Haiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 9 minutes ago 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 21 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 43 minutes ago From the same country 01:09 Senegal ruling party Pastef presses government over 2027 local elections 27/08 - 17:48 02:43 Senegalese company produces first Africa-made treatment for sickle cell disease 26/08 - 22:04 01:09 Senegal opposition presses president to set local election date 20/08 - 07:03 View more Share More About Bassirou Diomaye Faye Ousmane Sonko Debt crisis IMF Presidential elections Opposition You may also like Haiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 9 minutes ago 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 21 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 43 minutes ago From the same country 01:09 Senegal ruling party Pastef presses government over 2027 local elections 27/08 - 17:48 02:43 Senegalese company produces first Africa-made treatment for sickle cell disease 26/08 - 22:04 01:09 Senegal opposition presses president to set local election date 20/08 - 07:03 On the same subject NEWS 01:02 Guinea: France joins calls for transparent investigation into mass grave 28/08 - 21:28 NEWS 01:06 Zambian opposition leader Mundubile taken into custody on treason charges 28/08 - 09:48 NEWS 01:05 Opposition urges African Union to intervene in Zambia's disputed election 27/08 - 17:13 NEWS 01:06 Uganda President’s son Muhoozi announces 2031 presidential bid 26/08 - 22:44 NEWS 01:11 Zambia courts shut on final day for election challenge 25/08 - 15:38 NEWS 01:11 Tanzanian opposition leader to face trial on treason charges 21/08 - 15:23 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago