President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Announces New Party amid Referendum Dispute with Ousmane Sonko

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye told a gathering of 306 mayors at the Pal’e de la République that he will create a new political party to unite his supporters. The move formalises the "Diomaye Président" coalition and signals a clear break with former ally Ousmane Sonko and the Pastef party.

The announcement follows the National Assembly's adoption of a constitutional revision on 29 June 2026. Faye has pledged to submit the changes to a popular referendum, framing it as a test of public confidence. Sonko, speaking at a Pastef event, dismissed the referendum as a "bluff" and said the government has no real intention to hold it, demanding a firm timetable.

Opposition party APR criticised the coalition's claim of 306 mayoral supporters as fabricated, accusing Faye of coercing local officials. The political clash unfolds ahead of upcoming local, legislative and the 2029 presidential elections, heightening uncertainty over Senegal's institutional balance and party landscape.