Senegal’s president Bassirou Diomaye Faye launches new party

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has officially announced the creation of his new political party, the Republican Patriots, marking a decisive break from his former ally Ousmane Sonko and the ruling Pastef movement.

The launch formalizes months of visible tensions between the two leaders, who rose to power together in 2024 under Pastef. In recent weeks, many regional leaders, youth wing members, and even figures from the opposition Alliance for the Republic (APR) have shifted their allegiance to Faye.

The rift deepened over how Senegal should negotiate with the International Monetary Fund amid mounting national debt.

Earlier this year, Faye dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister. Sonko was later elected Speaker of Parliament, where Pastef still holds a majority.

In May, Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as Prime Minister and formed a cabinet excluding Pastef members, after Sonko declared his party would not participate.

The Republican Patriots’ emergence sets the stage for intense competition between Faye and Sonko: Local elections 2027: Expected to be the first major test of strength between the two camps.

Presidential elections 2029: Likely to highlight their rivalry, with both leaders positioning themselves as champions of youth employment, anti‑corruption, and resource sovereignty.

Despite their shared promises during the 2024 campaign—creating jobs, fighting corruption, and maximizing Senegal’s oil, gas, and mineral wealth—progress has been slowed by revelations of hidden debts worth billions of dollars.