In a historic move in Dakar, the Sénégal president Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, on Saturday, signaling a definitive break from his former mentor and ex-Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The name Kiiraay, meaning ‘protection’ or ‘shield’ in Wolof, reflects the party’s mission to safeguard the nation’s interests.
The party emerges from the transformation of the Diomaye Président coalition, which propelled Mr. Faye to the presidency in 2024. Addressing a crowd of hundreds of supporters, the head of state described Kiiraay as a movement rooted in ‘the Republic, ethics, transparency, brotherhood, and hard work,’ asserting that it now stands as ‘the dominant political force in the country.’ Its slogan, La Patrie d’abord (‘The Homeland First’), underscores its commitment to prioritizing national progress under his leadership.
The establishment of Kiiraay follows months of escalating tensions between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, once united under the Pastef banner. Disagreements over debt management and institutional reforms culminated in Sonko’s dismissal in May. Though still serving as National Assembly President and leader of the Pastef—currently the largest party in Parliament—his influence is now challenged by Faye’s new political vehicle, setting the stage for intensified political rivalry at the highest levels of government.