Senegal’s ruling coalition is facing a deepening crisis as tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko escalate, raising concerns about the stability of the West African nation’s government. The public fallout, which began in late 2025, centers on a power struggle that threatens to fracture the coalition that brought both men to power just months prior.
The immediate catalyst for the current unrest was President Faye’s unilateral decision to replace Aïssatou Mbodj, a key ally of Prime Minister Sonko, as head of the “Diomaye Président” coalition. This move, announced in early November 2025, directly contradicted a public statement made by Sonko days earlier indicating there would be no changes to the coalition’s leadership. The President subsequently appointed Aminata Touré, his own campaign coordinator, to the position.
Sonko’s Pastef party responded swiftly and forcefully, rejecting the President’s authority to make the change. According to a party statement, Faye “does not have the power to dismiss” Mbodj, and the party signaled a fundamental ideological and political divergence, stating they share “neither the same values nor the same principles” with the President’s new appointee. This public rebuke underscores the severity of the rift.
The conflict extends beyond personnel decisions. Analysts suggest the dispute is a fundamental struggle for control of the government, with the potential to significantly impair President Faye’s ability to govern effectively. Sonko, as leader of the Pastef party, commands considerable political influence and enjoys substantial popular support, demonstrated by his ability to mobilize large rallies. Without Sonko’s backing, the President’s governing capacity is demonstrably weakened.
The situation is further complicated by growing discontent within the National Assembly. , opposition Members of Parliament announced a boycott of Prime Minister Sonko, a move signaling a lack of confidence in the government’s direction. This boycott adds another layer of instability to an already precarious political landscape.
Adding to the pressure, Anta Babacar Ngom, a member of the National Assembly, delivered a scathing critique of the government’s performance during a question period. Ngom reportedly accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises after two years in office, citing a lack of tangible progress in key sectors like health and education, which have been plagued by strikes. She specifically highlighted concerns about a 17% rate of overbilling
and 40% of the budget stolen by the previous regime
, questioning when concrete action would be taken to address these issues.
Ngom also raised the sensitive issue of Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco, directly questioning Prime Minister Sonko about the lack of progress in securing their release. She reportedly asked, How could you go to Morocco and return without our children?
, highlighting the frustration and concern surrounding this ongoing diplomatic challenge.
Ousmane Sonko’s own political trajectory is noteworthy. Prior to his appointment as Prime Minister in , Sonko was a prominent opposition figure and the PASTEF candidate in the presidential election. His arrest in on sexual assault allegations triggered widespread protests and unrest. He was sentenced to two years in prison in , and his party, PASTEF, was dissolved by the government in . His subsequent appointment as Prime Minister following Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election victory represented a significant political shift.
Despite calls for him to step down as Prime Minister to lead the National Assembly, Sonko has dismissed the notion, asserting the importance of his role within the executive branch. This decision, while intended to solidify his position, may further exacerbate tensions with the legislature and contribute to the growing sense of political gridlock.
The current crisis bears echoes of a similar period of political instability in Senegal in , raising concerns that the nation could be heading towards a prolonged period of political uncertainty. The opposition coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar (BBY), has already tabled a motion of censure against Prime Minister Sonko’s government, signaling their intent to escalate the conflict. The outcome of this motion, and the broader resolution of the power struggle between Faye and Sonko, will be critical in determining the future of Senegal’s government and its economic prospects.
The implications of this political turmoil extend beyond domestic concerns. Senegal is a key regional player in West Africa, and prolonged instability could have ripple effects throughout the region, potentially impacting trade, investment, and security. Investors are likely to adopt a cautious approach, awaiting clarity on the political situation before committing to new projects. The situation warrants close monitoring as it unfolds.
