Senegal’s Power Struggle: How Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko Went From Allies to Rivals

Senegal is witnessing one of the most dramatic political ruptures seen in modern African politics, as the once-powerful alliance between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko appears to have completely collapsed. The political crisis has intensified after Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister last week before lawmakers loyal to Sonko swiftly reinstated him into parliament and elected him Speaker of the National Assembly.

The relationship between Faye and Sonko was once viewed as one of the strongest political partnerships in Africa. Both men were former tax inspectors who entered politics through anti-establishment activism and criticism of corruption, economic inequality and foreign influence in Senegalese affairs. Sonko emerged as the charismatic face of resistance under former President Macky Sall, particularly among young voters attracted by his pan-African rhetoric and promises of systemic reform.

However, Sonko’s presidential ambitions were blocked after legal battles and court rulings prevented him from contesting the 2024 election. His supporters argued the cases were politically motivated. In response, Sonko backed his close ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the presidential candidate for the ruling PASTEF movement. The strategy worked. Faye won the presidency in 2024 and immediately appointed Sonko as prime minister.

The partnership was built on promises of radical political and economic transformation, including reducing foreign dependence and restructuring governance. But tensions reportedly emerged over how to manage Senegal’s worsening debt crisis and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reports indicate Sonko opposed IMF-backed restructuring measures, while Faye increasingly leaned toward a more pragmatic economic approach.

Analysts say divisions also deepened over the pace of reforms and relations with Western allies, particularly France. On 23 May 2026, Faye officially dismissed Sonko and dissolved the government, confirming the political split.

What happened next shocked many observers. Within days, parliamentary speaker El Malick Ndiaye resigned, creating a pathway for Sonko’s return to parliament. Lawmakers loyal to Sonko then reinstated him as an MP before electing him Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly with overwhelming support.

The development effectively created two competing centres of power in Senegal:

• Faye controls the presidency and executive branch.

• Sonko now controls parliament and retains strong grassroots influence within PASTEF.

Political analysts say Sonko remains the dominant political figure among many ordinary Senegalese citizens despite no longer being prime minister.

The unfolding rivalry is now being viewed as a major test for Senegal’s democratic institutions.

Some analysts fear prolonged institutional conflict could destabilise governance in one of West Africa’s most politically stable democracies. Others argue the developments demonstrate democratic maturity, where internal power struggles are being resolved through constitutional and parliamentary mechanisms rather than military intervention or violence. Observers say all eyes are now on the 2029 presidential election, where Sonko is widely expected to remain a major contender.

Senegal political crisis