Senegal’s political turmoil: Faye and Sonko’s feud reshapes governance

Senegal has become the focus of international media attention as tensions between two of its most prominent leaders escalate. A recent Al Jazeera documentary examines the widening rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, partners in the 2024 presidential victory who now find themselves locked in a high-stakes political confrontation.

The timing of this coverage coincides with a constitutional showdown. Just days before the documentary’s release, the Constitutional Council invalidated a reform passed by Parliament in late June—a reform that aimed to bolster the legislature’s authority while curbing presidential powers. This legal decision has deepened the rift, casting a shadow over Senegal’s political future ahead of the 2029 elections.

From allies to adversaries: the PASTEF divide

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko led the PASTEF to a historic electoral victory in 2024, securing a commanding majority in the National Assembly. With 130 seats out of 165, the party’s dominance was expected to ensure smooth governance. Instead, ideological and strategic disagreements have emerged, particularly over economic policy and relations with international financial institutions like the IMF.

Observers describe the current dynamic as a clash of visions—one centered on centralizing executive authority, the other pushing for a more balanced distribution of power. Sonko’s dual role, serving as both prime minister and Assembly president, has further strained relations with the presidency, creating an unusual concentration of legislative and executive influence that fuels conflict.

Constitutional reform triggers constitutional crisis

On June 29, 2026, Parliament approved a sweeping constitutional reform designed to shift power from the presidency to the legislature. The bill included provisions to prohibit the president from leading a political party and to replace the Constitutional Council with a new nine-member Constitutional Court. Critics argue these changes were intended to weaken Faye’s political leverage.

Faye challenged the reform’s validity, filing a petition with the Constitutional Council on July 7. The Council ruled on July 10, citing procedural flaws and the absence of allocated funding for the proposed court. The decision was met with a terse response from Sonko, who stated the ruling “must be respected by all.” Yet the ambiguity of his statement left unanswered questions about the next steps in this institutional standoff.

Senegal’s democratic model under scrutiny

The Al Jazeera documentary underscores the global interest in Senegal’s political evolution. As one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, Senegal plays a pivotal role in regional diplomacy and economic partnerships, particularly with France. The unfolding crisis challenges its reputation as a model of institutional resilience.

Local media outlets have extensively covered the reform’s invalidation, portraying the Faye-Sonko feud as a power duel at the highest level. This narrative has resonated across national platforms, reflecting widespread concern over the sustainability of the current power-sharing arrangement.

Institutional imbalance fuels conflict

Senegal operates under a presidential system where the head of state traditionally wields significant authority. Faye’s 2024 election marked a political shift, driven by PASTEF’s rise and Sonko’s grassroots appeal. However, the current configuration—where the prime minister also presides over Parliament—has created an unprecedented concentration of power, sparking tensions.

The economic stakes are high. Senegal faces pressing challenges, including public debt management and negotiations with the IMF. Differences between Faye and Sonko on these issues reveal deeper strategic divisions, extending beyond mere political rivalry.

Election 2029: a looming battleground

The 2027 local elections and the 2029 presidential race loom large over this crisis. Analysts warn that the Faye-Sonko split could reshape electoral alliances, potentially fracturing the PASTEF or prompting realignments with other political forces.

The party’s overwhelming majority complicates matters: neither leader can govern effectively without the other without risking institutional paralysis. The battle for control over the PASTEF’s machinery has become central to the power struggle. The Al Jazeera report frames this moment not as a passing storm, but as the opening act of a prolonged contest for dominance in Senegalese politics. The coming months will reveal whether the two leaders can coexist—or if their alliance collapses entirely.

The Constitutional Council’s decision has temporarily sided with Faye, but it has not resolved the fundamental disagreements. Senegal’s political landscape now stands at a crossroads, watched closely by regional and international partners alike.