The political rupture between Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko in Sénégal

The long-anticipated split between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has finally materialized in Sénégal. Following his dismissal, the latter has retreated to the National Assembly to consolidate his influence.

Had he been more strategic, Ousmane Sonko might have viewed the National Assembly as the perfect sanctuary to wait for the 2029 elections. This was especially true after the Pastef party achieved a landslide victory in the legislative elections of November 2024. Instead, he chose to maintain a close watch on Diomaye Faye, perhaps fearing the President would grow too fond of his executive powers. However, as history often proves, the one who facilitates another’s rise to the throne frequently risks their own position.

A predictable institutional clash

The presidential system in Sénégal is designed in a way that leaves virtually no room for a secondary power center. Regardless of their individual strength, a Prime Minister remains merely a first among equals. Ousmane Sonko soon found himself restricted within the government framework.

His political future grew even bleaker on July 1, 2025, when the Supreme Court declined to overturn the ruling that renders him ineligible for the 2029 contest. Sensing a lack of support from Diomaye Faye, the political instincts of Ousmane Sonko took over. With institutional paths closing, he turned back to grassroots agitation, eventually taking control of the National Assembly. Despite the outcry from a diminished opposition, he now sits in his stronghold, protected by sheer numbers. Only the President has the legal standing to ask the Constitutional Council to review the legality of this move, but he has chosen to remain passive for now.

Strategic calculations in the land of Lat Dior Diop

In the nation once defended by the legendary Lat Dior Diop, political dynamics are never simple. To understand the current friction, one must look beyond legal texts. We are witnessing a duel between two distinct personalities: the shrewd Diomaye Faye and the stormy Ousmane Sonko, both focused on the 2029 presidential goal.

The weapons at their disposal differ significantly. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye controls the state apparatus and the law. Conversely, Ousmane Sonko commands a loyal and mobilized base within a disciplined party, unafraid of challenging traditional boundaries.

While Ousmane Sonko holds a powerful position in the National Assembly, his standing is fragile. He faces the constant threat of parliamentary dissolution and potential legal challenges regarding his eligibility to serve as a deputy. On the other side, Diomaye Faye appears to be playing a patient game. Having distanced himself from his former ally, he is now working with his new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, to stabilize the national economy and engage with global financial bodies. He seems to be meticulously preparing for the inevitable showdown.