Key points
- Political shake-up: Ousmane Sonko was dismissed as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on May 22, 2026
- Censure threat: On July 12, 2026, in Mbacké, Sonko announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô’s government
- Mayoral support: Ten out of sixteen mayors in Mbour department publicly backed President Faye on July 12
- New party launch: President Faye is set to establish his own political party at a founding congress on August 8, 2026, at Dakar Arena
Confrontation escalates at Mbacké rally
Political tensions in Senegal have intensified following a sharp exchange between government leaders. During a July 12 gathering in Mbacké, Ousmane Sonko—now Speaker of the National Assembly—delivered a fiery critique of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration. The former Prime Minister accused the executive branch of abandoning the sovereignist renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts, a central promise of their shared coalition.
Sonko’s remarks, widely circulated online the following day, also condemned what he described as betrayal of the Pastef movement’s founding principles and alleged corruption within state institutions. He made clear his intent to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, appointed on May 25 through a presidential decree.
Political split deepens since May
This confrontation marks a definitive break between two key figures who once led the Pastef movement together. On May 22, 2026, President Faye abruptly removed Sonko from the premiership, triggering a full government reshuffle. The decision stunned observers, as the two men had been regarded as the twin pillars of Pastef since the March 2024 presidential election.
Three days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô assumed the role of Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Sonko was elevated to Speaker of the National Assembly—a strategic yet less direct position. Rather than receding from the political stage, the former Prime Minister has used this platform to escalate his criticism and pressure the executive branch.
Mayors shift allegiance to President Faye
While Sonko rallies his base, President Faye strengthens his local support. On July 12—the same day as the Mbacké event—ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour department publicly endorsed the Head of State. This show of backing comes as Faye works to build a distinct political base, separate from the original Pastef structure.
The founding congress of this new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026, at Dakar Arena. This milestone signals Faye’s determination to fully separate his leadership from Sonko and the movement that once propelled them both to power.
Multi-front battle intensifies
Sonko’s criticisms extend beyond resource contracts. He also challenged the decision of the seven-member Constitutional Council to invalidate a constitutional reform, directly implicating President Faye in the matter. The rhetoric reflects an open confrontation, especially striking given their shared origins within the same political camp.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô responded publicly on social media, rejecting Sonko’s accusations as politically motivated appeals to patriotism. His rebuttal underscores the executive’s resolve to withstand the challenge.
Senegal’s evolving political landscape
Senegal, a nation of 18 million in West Africa’s far western tip, underwent a historic political shift in March 2024 with the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The young president, backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, vowed to end entrenched practices and assert control over natural resources—particularly oil and gas reserves discovered off the coast of Dakar.
Mbacké, where Sonko held his July 12 rally, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the spiritual heart of the influential Mouride Sufi brotherhood. Nearby Touba, the movement’s headquarters, is a critical electoral battleground. Sonko’s presence there is strategic, aiming to solidify his base in a region where President Faye is also seeking to expand influence.
Legal pathway to a no-confidence vote
The threat of a no-confidence motion is not an empty gesture. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Sonko holds procedural tools to initiate such a process. Whether he can secure the required majority remains uncertain. Though the Pastef holds a strong majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, rising divisions raise doubts about how many legislators will join Sonko in challenging a president from their own movement.
The standoff between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of contracts with multinational firms and the future political direction of post-transition Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 founding congress of Faye’s new party could mark a decisive turning point in a crisis reshaping the camp of change.