The ruling party in Senegal, Pastef, is on the brink as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko launches a scathing attack on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his long-time ally and partner in the ruling Pastef.
In a fiery speech during the installation of Pastef’s National Council, Sonko questioned Faye’s leadership, warning of growing instability if urgent corrective action is not taken.
“Senegal has no major problem, if not a problem of authority,” Sonko declared. “If they do not know how to govern, let them let me do so.” Sonko accused Faye of failing to assert authority in government, allowing governance lapses and political drift to fester.
Sonko’s tone was a striking departure from the unity projected by Pastef during its ascent to power, and his message was unmistakable: he feels blocked, undermined, and increasingly sidelined.
He openly criticised Faye’s reluctance to intervene in political crises and administrative issues, stating, “I went to see him. He has the power to stop what’s going on. But he hasn’t done it yet.”
The tension between Sonko and Faye marks a critical turning point for Pastef, with analysts seeing a looming battle for power. Sonko’s outburst reflects deeper anxieties about his political future, particularly with the Supreme Court set to revisit his eligibility for future elections.
The rift underscores an increasingly dysfunctional executive partnership, with Sonko daring Faye to either fire him or cede him more power. Sonko’s insistence that he won’t resign but would accept dismissal signals that he is attempting to reclaim control of the party’s direction.
The clash could weaken Senegal’s fragile ruling coalition at a critical time, with the country facing mounting economic pressures and high social expectations.