President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launches Kiiraay party in Senegal

On Saturday 25 July 2026, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled a new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains, at a packed assembly in Dakar’s King Fahd Palace. The Wolof‑derived name means “protection” or “shield” and the party’s slogan is “Republican Patriots”, with the motto “La patrie d’abord”.

The launch formalises Faye’s split with his former mentor and ex‑prime minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the pan‑Africanist Pastef party. The two rose to power together in 2024, but their alliance collapsed over policy disputes, notably the handling of a severe debt crisis and negotiations with the IMF. Sonko was dismissed as prime minister in May 2026 and now heads the opposition in parliament.

Faye’s speech stressed “republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity and work” and promised that Kiiraay will be the “majority party” in the country. Hundreds of supporters waited outside the venue in the heat, waving signs that read “Vive Diomaye”. The new party seeks to consolidate the presidential majority ahead of local elections in 2027 and the presidential race slated for 2029, while ministers and senior officials are being asked to declare their loyalty.