SENEGALESE President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and setting up a struggle for control of the reform movement that swept them to power in 2024.
The creation of Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots on Saturday formalised the collapse of the alliance between Faye and Sonko after months of tensions over the direction of the government and Senegal’s mounting economic challenges.
The new party grew out of the Diomaye President coalition, which backed Faye’s successful 2024 presidential campaign. Speaking before supporters in Dakar, Faye portrayed Kiiraay as a movement centred on institutions rather than personalities.
“Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots is an open house,” Faye said, adding that the party would be guided by “ethics” and “transparency”.
He said the movement would be open to “young people, women, farmers, fishermen, teachers, health workers, the diaspora” and all citizens committed to serving the republic.
In another message directed at his supporters, Faye said political office should not be treated as a reward.
“Responsibilities will be duties and not rewards,” he said, adding that transparency would remain one of the party’s guiding principles.
The launch completes the political rupture between two men whose alliance overturned Senegal’s political establishment.
Faye and Sonko rose together through the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF).
Sonko, a former tax inspector, emerged as one of Senegal’s most influential opposition figures by campaigning against corruption, promising economic sovereignty and attracting strong support from young voters frustrated by unemployment and the rising cost of living.
When Sonko was unable to stand in the 2024 presidential election, PASTEF nominated Faye as its candidate. Campaigning under the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko”, Faye won the presidency and later appointed Sonko as prime minister.
But tensions gradually emerged over how the government was run, its economic policy and the direction of the governing coalition. The relationship deteriorated further as Senegal grappled with the fallout from previously undisclosed public debt, forcing the government to confront difficult economic decisions and renewed engagement with international lenders.
The political rupture deepened at the end of May when Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the government. Days later, Sonko announced PASTEF would not participate in the new cabinet, cementing the split between the former allies.
A test of political strength
For Faye, Kiiraay represents an attempt to build an organisation anchored in the presidency rather than in PASTEF’s political machinery.
Whether he can do so remains uncertain.
Much of Faye’s rise to power was closely tied to Sonko’s popularity and PASTEF’s nationwide grassroots network. The new party, therefore, will be judged on whether it can build support beyond voters who backed Faye as Sonko’s chosen successor.
The split has also raised broader questions about the government’s ability to govern effectively while navigating economic pressures and maintaining its regional influence.
Kabir Adamu, founder of Beacon Consulting Ltd and a Nigeria-based security analyst specialising in the Sahel, told Al Jazeera the consequences could extend well beyond party politics.
“The dismissal of Ousmane Sonko has torn the ruling coalition asunder, creating a seismic political crisis. With the president and the now-opposition parliamentary leader at an impasse, Senegal faces a dangerous period of legislative paralysis and economic instability.
“The very foundations of the PASTEF party’s unity are being tested, and the path forward for the nation is shrouded in uncertainty. It is also likely that this domestic challenge will prevent President Faye from exercising the responsibilities ECOWAS expects of him.” Adamu said, referring to the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States.