Senegalese opposition backs Diomaye in strategic move against Sonko

In Sénégal, the Parti démocratique sénégalais (PDS) has officially called for a “no” vote regarding the upcoming referendum on constitutional changes.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently announced his intention to hold a public consultation. This move allows the citizenry to determine the fate of a legislative proposal that has sparked intense national debate.

The proposed text, which cleared the National Assembly, was championed by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party. It seeks to significantly bolster parliamentary authority while curtailing the executive powers of the Head of State.

By siding with the President’s decision to hold a vote, the PDS is effectively urging its base to reject the reform. This alignment with Bassirou Diomaye Faye by Abdoulaye Wade’s party is a calculated maneuver that reflects deeper shifts in the political landscape.

The evolution of the PDS-Diomaye relationship

The history between these factions dates back to the legislative elections of July 2022, when the PDS joined forces with Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef to create a unified front against the administration of Macky Sall.

By the eve of the March 2024 presidential election, the PDS took its support further. After Karim Wade was disqualified from the race, the party—still under the influence of former President Abdoulaye Wade—endorsed the joint ticket of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This endorsement was pivotal, helping Bassirou Diomaye Faye secure a broader electoral mandate. While the official reason was the protection of democratic institutions, the PDS was also motivated by a desire to remain relevant after Macky Sall’s camp blocked Karim Wade’s candidacy. The exiled leader hoped to maintain a foothold in the country’s future leadership.

A partnership of convenience, not ideology

Despite their shared electoral victory, the PDS did not join the new administration. The party chose to maintain its independence, staying outside both the Pastef inner circle and the broader presidential coalition.

Political observers in Dakar, including academic Hamadou Tidiane Sy, suggest that this proximity was never about shared values but rather a survival strategy. After losing power years ago, the PDS faced a period of decline and saw an opportunity to move closer to the seat of power to ensure its continued existence.

This opportunistic approach was evident during the late 2024 snap legislative elections. In a surprising turn, the PDS allied with Macky Sall’s APR—a party that had long been its fiercest rival—signaling a shift away from the radicalism of the new government.

Blocking Ousmane Sonko’s ambitions

The growing rift between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a fresh opening. The party is now backing the President’s call for a referendum while simultaneously campaigning against the actual reforms.

In a recent statement, the PDS urged its supporters and all Senegalese citizens to “block” the reforms. The party argued that these constitutional changes are merely a vehicle for Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and demonstrate a disregard for the republican institutions that safeguard democracy.

This sentiment is echoed across much of the opposition. While they may not be formal allies of Diomaye Faye, their current stance is a clear rejection of Ousmane Sonko. The Pastef leader is increasingly viewed by the political class as a divisive figure whose radical rhetoric hinders national reconciliation.

A fragile and temporary alignment

Analysts warn that this does not signal the birth of a long-term alliance around the President. The opposition to the institutional reforms is less about supporting the Head of State and more about preventing what they see as a power grab by the legislative branch.

The perception that Pastef is becoming increasingly isolationist has pushed various political entities toward the President, if only temporarily. This circumstantial support is aimed at resolving the current impasse and steering Sénégal back toward its traditional path of consensus-based democracy.

Diomaye Faye’s search for new foundations

This political restructuring may ultimately benefit Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As internal friction within Pastef grows, the President is looking to solidify his own political base. Future support from established parties like the PDS could prove essential for his political survival.

There are signs that the President is already looking beyond his original party. By focusing on his “Diomaye Président” coalition, he appears to be preparing for a future where he is no longer tied to Pastef. Within the ranks of Sonko’s party, many already view the President’s actions as a definitive betrayal of their movement.