The head of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, used the inauguration of his party’s new headquarters in Touba to openly criticize President Diomaye Faye, calling him a «puppet leader who can be easily swayed.»
Speaking in front of party members and supporters, Sonko warned that a «timid president spells disaster,» stressing that the current leadership lacks the resolve to govern independently. He accused Faye of allowing political newcomers and even opposing factions to shape his decisions, including false assurances that the military and security forces would back a potential second term.
Once a key ally who helped propel Faye to victory in the 2024 presidential race, Sonko now claims the president «secretly worked to build his own movement within the ruling party» while serving as Secretary-General and cadre coordinator. «His true intentions became clear only in hindsight,» Sonko stated. «When he assumed office, he believed he could reclaim control over the party’s ranks—but no one followed him.»
From Alliance to Open Conflict
The rift between the two leaders has widened since Faye’s rise to power. Sonko, who previously led the Pastef party alongside Faye, alleges that the president abandoned their shared vision after securing the presidency. «He thought he could act unilaterally, but the party’s structure and its members did not bend to his will,» he remarked.
The public clash underscores growing tensions within Senegal’s political elite, raising questions about the stability of the current administration and the future of its governing coalition.
