Senegal President Diomaye Faye faces internal rift with Prime Minister Sonko

Bassirou Diomaye Faye was inaugurated as Senegal’s president on 2 April 2024 after Ousmane Sonko’s disqualification and subsequent support from the Pastef movement. Sonko, appointed prime minister, has since been reported to clash with the president. An alleged remark by party official Aldiouma Sow suggests Sonko reprimanded Diomaye Faye in his presence, indicating growing tension within the ruling tandem.

Party member Ibrahima Diam Sow, a former coordinator for Pastef in Fouta, announced his departure from the party, joining the Diomaye‑President coalition and criticizing Sonko’s leadership style as a “dictatorship of thought”. His defection underscores the internal debate over party discipline and policy direction.

Analysts note that such discord could affect Senegal’s political stability, its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and the implementation of key projects in the gas, mining and petroleum sectors. Both the president and the prime minister have yet to comment publicly on the reported tensions.