The formation of this new government follows closely on the heels of President Faye, himself a Pastef alumnus, dismissing Ousmane Sonko from his role as Prime Minister approximately ten days prior. Sonko has since ascended to the position of President of the National Assembly, marking a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape.

The separation between these two prominent political figures has introduced a period of political uncertainty for the West African nation, which is simultaneously grappling with a serious financial crisis.

Ousmane Sonko’s former position has been filled by Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who on Monday presented a list of 30 ministers. This roster notably omits several high-ranking Pastef officials who had served in the previous government.

Just moments before the cabinet list was made public, the Pastef leader had issued a statement via his social media channels, confirming his party’s decision to abstain from participating in the new government.

“Disagreement”

“A lengthy discussion took place this morning between the President of the Republic and myself, as the party President. While areas of agreement were certainly reaffirmed, significant points of disagreement also emerged, particularly concerning the role and standing of the majority within the executive framework,” the statement detailed.

The communique further elaborated, “Following a debriefing meeting with the Party’s internal bodies, new proposals were submitted to the President of the Republic, which did not receive a favorable response. Consequently, PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not be part of the upcoming government and will not be represented by any minister therein.”

Despite Pastef’s official stance, the announced cabinet includes lesser-known allies and members of the party. Among them are Moussa Bala Fofana, appointed Minister of Urban Planning, and Yankhoba Diémé, who now holds the portfolio for the Armed Forces.

President Faye also opted to retain several ministers from the previous administration. These include Cheikh Diba as Minister of Finance, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy for Education, and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye for Sanitation.

The new Prime Minister, Amadou Al Aminou Lô, confirmed that the government was formed after the “usual consultations with all relevant individuals,” including Pastef party leader Ousmane Sonko.

During the live broadcast of the cabinet list on the national public channel, RTS, Prime Minister Lô added, “The President of the Republic wishes to reiterate that, under all circumstances, a statesman must ensure that the nation and the Republic always supersede all partisan considerations.”

A New Political Turn

This development marks a significant new chapter following the divergence between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. These long-standing political partners, who triumphed in the March 2024 presidential election under the popular slogan “Sonko mooy Diomaye” (Sonko is Diomaye in Wolof), have seen their relationship evolve.

However, noticeable differences between the two leaders have become apparent over recent months, ultimately leading to their inevitable split after Ousmane Sonko’s dismissal in late May. Sonko, the undisputed leader of their party, which holds a substantial majority in the Assembly, has since been comfortably elected as President of the Parliament.

Ousmane Sonko, barred from running for the presidency due to a defamation conviction, had designated his close associate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to take his place in the electoral race. Yet, internal disagreements began to surface between them.

Tensions first emerged in July 2025 when Sonko, then the dynamic Prime Minister, sharply criticized President Faye, decrying a “problem of authority” within the country. More recently, in early May, the President publicly voiced his disapproval of his former Prime Minister’s “excessive personalization” within the ruling party.