Senegal’s political crisis: Sonko’s bold move against Faye’s government

Mbacké meeting sparks political fire

The political standoff in Senegal has escalated sharply. During a July 12 rally in Mbacké, Ousmane Sonko—now Speaker of the National Assembly—launched a scathing attack on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his administration. The former Prime Minister accused the government of abandoning its sovereignist pledge to renegotiate oil, gas, and mining contracts, a cornerstone of the ruling coalition’s platform.

His remarks, widely circulated on social media the following day, framed the situation as a betrayal of the Pastef movement’s mission. Sonko also alleged systemic corruption within state institutions. His message was clear: he intends to file a no-confidence motion to topple the government of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, appointed on May 25 via presidential decree.

From allies to adversaries

This confrontation marks the definitive breakdown of a once-united political alliance. On May 22, President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister, a move that stunned observers. The two had been seen as the twin pillars of the Pastef movement since its victory in the March 2024 presidential election.

Just three days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô took over as head of government. Sonko, however, was swiftly elevated to Speaker of the National Assembly—a pivotal but indirect role. Undeterred, he has used this platform to relentlessly criticize the executive and keep up the pressure.

Local leaders rally behind Faye

While Sonko tightens his grip on the opposition, President Faye is shoring up support at the grassroots level. On July 12—the same day as the Mbacké rally—ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour publicly endorsed the President. This show of strength comes as Faye seeks to build a distinct political base, separate from the original Pastef structure.

The founding congress of his new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026, at Dakar Arena. This event signals Faye’s determination to break free from Sonko’s influence and the party that once carried them both to power.

Dual battles: contracts and constitution

Sonko’s critique extends beyond resource contracts. He has also condemned the Constitutional Council’s seven-member panel for striking down a constitutional reform, directly implicating President Faye in the decision. The rhetoric reflects an all-out confrontation, despite both leaders originally belonging to the same political camp.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has not remained passive. In response to Sonko’s allegations, he took to social media to denounce what he called the politicization of patriotism. This rebuttal underscores the executive’s resolve to withstand the pressure.

The broader Senegalese backdrop

Senegal, home to 18 million people in West Africa’s far west, witnessed a historic political shift in March 2024 with Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election. Backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, Faye promised to end the practices of the former regime and assert sovereign control over the country’s natural resources—particularly the oil and gas reserves discovered off Dakar’s coast.

Mbacké, where the July 12 rally took place, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the heart of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, a powerful force in Senegalese society. Touba, its neighboring spiritual capital, holds major electoral significance. Sonko’s presence in this region is strategic: he aims to solidify his base in an area where President Faye is also vying for influence.

Can a no-confidence motion succeed?

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 move. The real question is whether he can secure the necessary majority to oust the government. The Pastef holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, but the critical issue is how many deputies will follow Sonko in challenging a President from their own movement.

The power struggle between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of contracts with multinational corporations and the future political direction of post-alternance Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 founding congress of Faye’s new party could mark the next decisive chapter in this deepening crisis.