Senegal’s Faye launches a new party, formalising his split with Sonko

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye formally ended his political alliance with Ousmane Sonko by launching a new party on Saturday, completing a rupture that has reshaped the country's political landscape. The creation of Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots emerged from the coalition that backed Faye's successful 2024 presidential campaign and represents an attempt to establish an independent political organisation anchored in the presidency.

Faye and Sonko had risen together through the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), with Sonko establishing himself as a prominent opposition figure through anti-corruption campaigns and appeals to young voters dissatisfied with unemployment and rising living costs. When Sonko faced legal barriers to running in the 2024 presidential election, PASTEF nominated Faye as its candidate. Faye's campaign slogan, "Diomaye is Sonko," emphasised their partnership, and after winning the presidency, Faye appointed Sonko as prime minister.

Tensions gradually emerged between the two leaders regarding government operations, economic policy, and the direction of their governing coalition. The situation deteriorated as Senegal confronted the consequences of previously undisclosed public debt, forcing difficult economic decisions and renewed negotiations with international lenders. In late May, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the government. Sonko subsequently announced that PASTEF would not participate in the new cabinet, cementing the political separation.

At the party's launch in Dakar, Faye characterised Kiiraay as an institution-focused movement rather than one centred on individual personalities. He emphasised that the party would operate according to principles of ethics and transparency, welcoming young people, women, farmers, fishermen, teachers, health workers, and diaspora members. Faye also stated that political positions should be understood as responsibilities and duties rather than rewards, signalling a departure from previous governance approaches.

The split represents a significant challenge for Faye, as much of his political ascent had been intertwined with Sonko's popularity and PASTEF's established grassroots network across the country. The new party must now establish its own organisational infrastructure independent of PASTEF's existing machinery.