Kiiraay: A party rooted in republican values

Hundreds of supporters gathered in Dakar for the unveiling of Kiiraay, a name meaning “protection” or “shield” in Wolof. Designed as the party of “Republican Patriots,” Kiiraay positions itself on the pillars of the Republic—ethics, transparency, brotherhood, and hard work. President Faye declared the new movement aims to become Senegal’s dominant political force. Already, several elected officials and political figures have defected from the Pastef to join the presidential camp.

A fractured alliance

The launch of Kiiraay signals the culmination of months of escalating tensions between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. After appointing Sonko as Prime Minister upon taking office, the president dismissed him in May amid deepening political and economic disagreements. Despite his removal from government, Sonko retains his role as Speaker of the National Assembly and continues to lead the Pastef, which still holds a substantial parliamentary majority.

Political landscape in flux

The emergence of Kiiraay introduces a new chapter in Senegal’s political arena. The party is expected to hold its inaugural congress after the rainy season, while the rivalry between Faye and Sonko looms large over the country’s evolving political dynamics.