Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled his new government cabinet on Monday, June 1st, a lineup notably formed without the participation of his own political party, Pastef. The party, led by Faye’s long-time ally and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, cited significant “disagreement” regarding the composition of the ministerial list as the reason for its absence from the new administration.

This pivotal announcement comes just twelve days after President Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his role as Prime Minister. Sonko has since assumed the presidency of the National Assembly. The separation between the two prominent political figures follows months of escalating tensions, introducing a period of political uncertainty for the nation, which is already grappling with a severe financial crisis.

Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô has taken over the premiership, succeeding Sonko. On Monday, he revealed a list of thirty ministers, conspicuously missing several key figures from the ruling Pastef party who had served in the previous government.

Moments before the government’s official announcement, Pastef’s leader, Ousmane Sonko, confirmed his party’s decision not to join the new cabinet in a statement released across its social media platforms. The statement detailed a lengthy discussion between President Faye and Sonko earlier that morning, acknowledging areas of agreement but emphasizing significant “points of disagreement,” particularly concerning the majority’s role and positioning within the executive framework.

The communiqué further explained that following a report to the party’s internal bodies, new proposals were submitted to the President, but these did not receive a favorable response. Consequently, the statement concluded: “PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not participate in the upcoming government and will not be represented by any minister.”

This political upheaval coincides with Senegal’s efforts to navigate substantial economic challenges. These difficulties stem from a 2024 revelation of undeclared debt by the previous administration. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) subsequently suspended its $1.8 billion loan program for Senegal, leading the nation’s debt to surge to 132% of its Gross Domestic Product by the close of 2024. The Minister of Finance indicated last month that Senegal intends to restart discussions with the IMF in the coming week, with hopes of reaching an agreement on critical issues by June 30th.