DAKAR, Senegal — A fierce public power struggle has broken out between Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, threatening the stability of the ruling coalition and raising doubts about who holds ultimate political authority in the country.
The crisis escalated on Tuesday when President Faye announced the removal of Aïssatou Mbodj, a close ally of Sonko, as head of the “Diomaye Président” coalition that secured his 2024 election victory. Faye replaced her with his campaign coordinator, Aminata Touré, in a move that directly contradicted Sonko’s earlier declaration that there would be “no change at the head of the coalition.”
Sonko’s Party Rejects Move
In response, Sonko convened his Pastef party, which issued a statement rejecting the president’s authority to dismiss Mbodj. The party declared that Faye “does not have the power” to make such a decision and said it shares “neither the same values nor the same principles” with the president’s new appointee.
Struggle for Control
The confrontation, played out through official communiqués, highlights a deep ideological and political rift within Senegal’s leadership. Analysts warn that the dispute could undermine Faye’s ability to govern effectively without Sonko, who commands a powerful party base and significant popular legitimacy, demonstrated by recent mass rallies of supporters.
Uncertain Future
The clash has left the ruling coalition fractured and Senegal facing a period of political uncertainty. Observers say the outcome of this struggle will determine not only the balance of power between the president and prime minister but also the country’s ability to maintain stability in the months ahead.