# Senegal political split deepens amid election delays

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gambia-leadership-controversy-2026
> Updated: 2026-09-05T17:45:28.000Z. Sources: 140. Developments: 46.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in late May 2026 triggered a parliamentary crisis and a constitutional amendment barring a sitting president from heading a party. After Sonko, now speaker of the National Assembly, pushed the amendment forward, Faye unveiled the Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains party in late July 2026. Kiiraay was presented as a youth-, women-, and diaspora-focused vehicle, and ministers were asked to declare their affiliation. In late July, controversy arose when some Kiiraay members advocated for extending the presidential term from five to seven years. Despite an ‘eternity clause’ in the 2016 constitution intended to prevent such changes, the proposal faced intense backlash from civil society and jurists, who described it as a ‘malicious debate.’ As the rift between Faye and Sonko deepened, Sonko publicly criticized the administration’s management in Linguère, stating that political reality had diverged from the aspirations of the people. In response to political pressure, President Faye postponed the 2027 local elections on 6 August. Kiiraay has since aggressively expanded its territorial footprint. In the Linguère department, Mayor Birame Ba of Kamb joined the party on 15 August, following a trend where 14 of 19 mayors in the department had already joined in July. The party also consolidated influence in the Bakel department, with eight of twelve mayors joining, and strengthened its presence in the Thiès region through new cells and the defection of Tivaouane Mayor Demba Diop. In September, Kiiraay launched an expansion strategy in the Matam department and Fouta region to challenge traditional political strongholds.

## Claims

- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new political party called Kiiraay – The Republican Patriots in Dakar on 26 July 2024. (disputed by 10 sources)
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched the Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains party on 25 July 2026 in Dakar. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The word “Kiiraay” means “shield” or “protection” in the Wolof language. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The launch formalised the split between President Faye and former prime minister Ousmane Sonko. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Ousmane Sonko was dismissed as prime minister by President Faye in May 2024 and later elected president of the National Assembly. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Faye described Kiiraay as an “open house” guided by ethics and transparency. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new political party named Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains on 26 July. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The party was launched at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- After his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko was elected chair of Senegal's National Assembly. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The International Monetary Fund suspended a $1.8 billion credit programme for Senegal because of undisclosed public debt. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Kiiraay Les Patriotes Républicains targets Matam for political expansion

The Kiiraay Les Patriotes Républicains party is expanding its influence in northern Senegal, targeting the Matam department to challenge established political strongholds.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kiiraay-les-patriotes-rpublicains-targets-matam-for-political-expansion

### 2026-08-24: Demba Diop joins KIRAAY political movement

Tivaouane Mayor Demba Diop has joined the KIRAAY – Les Patriotes républicains movement, strengthening the political camp of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the Thiès region.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/demba-diop-joins-kiraay-political-movement

### 2026-08-21: Mansour Faye calls for dissolution of Senegal's National Assembly

Former Senegalese minister Mansour Faye has called for the dissolution of the National Assembly, citing a governance crisis and economic instability under the current Pastef administration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mansour-faye-calls-for-dissolution-of-senegals-national-assembly

### 2026-08-18: KIIRAAY party expands political influence in Bakel and Thiès

The KIIRAAY party is expanding its political footprint in Senegal, with eight mayors in Bakel joining the movement and new local cells being established in Pire Gourey to strengthen grassroots mobilization.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kiiraay-party-expands-political-influence-in-bakel-and-this

### 2026-08-17: Senegal: President to dissolve National Assembly on December 2

Minister Serigne Gueye Diop announced President Diomaye Faye will dissolve Senegal's National Assembly on December 2. Meanwhile, rumors of 50 Pastef deputies defecting have been debunked as only one has left.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-minister-announces-national-assembly-dissolution-for-december-2

### 2026-08-15: Kamb Mayor Birame Ba joins Kiiraay presidential party

Kamb Mayor Birame Ba has officially joined the presidential party Kiiraay, following a meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to discuss local development needs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kamb-mayor-birame-ba-joins-kiiraay-presidential-party

### 2026-08-09: KIIRAAY party initiates territorial expansion in Senegal

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new KIIRAAY party is implementing a nationwide grassroots strategy in Senegal, amid growing political shifts and a strategic rupture with Ousmane Sonko.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kiiraay-party-launches-national-and-international-grassroots-expansion

### 2026-08-08: Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye face political rift

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko face a deepening political rivalry following Sonko's criticisms of the current administration.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ousmane-sonko-and-bassirou-diomaye-faye-face-political-rift

### 2026-08-07: Senegal opposition figure calls for National Assembly dissolution

Senegalese opposition figure Talla Sylla has called for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to dissolve the National Assembly in December 2026, urging broad national dialogue to ensure stability.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diakhar-faye-urged-to-dissolve-parliament-amid-opposition-calls

### 2026-08-07: Mayor Bara Gaye Joins Senegal's Kiiraay Presidential Party

Mayor Bara Gaye of Yeumbeul Sud joins President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new Kiiraay party after palace meetings in July.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-bara-gaye-joins-senegals-kiiraay-presidential-party

### 2026-08-06: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delays Senegal local elections as Kiiraay party claims mayoral majority

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye postpones Senegal’s local elections while his Kiiraay party claims a mayoral majority and aims for parliamentary dominance in upcoming polls.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cte-divoire-pdci-rda-president-tidjane-thiams-bureau-membership-disputed

### 2026-08-05: Aminata Sow joins President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's Kiiraay party, weakening Pastef in Senegal

Aminata Sow leaves Pastef to join President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's Kiiraay party, aiming to aid Senegal's development and strengthen the president’s base before municipal elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aminata-sow-joins-president-bassirou-diomaye-fayes-kiiraay-party-weakening-pastef-in-senegal

### 2026-08-03: Senegal sees ACT veteran resign and former opposition MP join presidential camp

Senegal's ACT veteran Moulaye Bacary Tamba resigns, while ex‑opposition MP Babacar Abba Mbaye joins President Faye's new party Kiiraay, signaling a political realignment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-sees-act-veteran-resign-and-former-opposition-mp-join-presidential-camp

### 2026-08-03: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launches new party Kiiraay, reshaping opposition

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched the Kiiraay party, ending his pact with Ousmane Sonko and reshaping the political field; KIIRAAY officials defended the territorial election timetable and vow‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-launches-new-party-kiiraay-reshaping-opposition

### 2026-07-31: Senegal debates constitutional ban on extending presidential term to seven years

Senegal's constitution bars changes to the presidential term, but Kiiraay members pushed a seven‑year proposal, sparking backlash from jurists, officials and PASTEF, and prompting a reaffirmation of the two‑5‑‑

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-unveils-kiiraay-party-ending-split-with-ousmane-sonko

### 2026-07-29: Senegal President Bassirou Faye launches Kiiraay party, formalizing split from PASTEF

Senegal President Bassirou Faye launched the Kiiraay party, cementing his split from Ousmane Sonko and PASTEF after a power struggle and recent constitutional amendment protests.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-faye-launches-kiiraay-party-formalizing-split-from-pastef

### 2026-07-27: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launches Kiiraay party, ending alliance with Ousmane Sonko in Senegal

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched the Kiiraay party on 25 July 2026, ending his alliance with Ousmane Sonko, who opposes postponing the Jan 2027 local elections.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-launches-new-party-kiiraay-les-patriotes-rpublicaines

### 2026-07-26: Senegal Deputy Amadou Ba Attacks President Faye Over ‘Fitna’ Remarks

Senegal deputy Amadou Ba condemned President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s “fitna” comment, naming economic predation and electoral manipulation as the real threats to the country.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-deputy-amadou-ba-attacks-president-faye-over-fitna-remarks

### 2026-07-26: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Faces Opposition Calls for Local Election Clarification

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye claims his new party is the largest; Dakar mayor Abass Fall urges prompt local elections to test party strength, amid rising tension with opposition leader Ousmane Sonk

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-faces-opposition-calls-for-local-election-clarification

### 2026-07-25: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Faces Criticism Over Politicized Public Jobs and Coalition Appointments

Deputy Thierno Alassane Sall and secretary‑general Siré Sy accuse President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of politicising public jobs and favoring recent allies in coalition appointments, citing agencies like SN‑HLM, P

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-faces-criticism-over-politicized-public-jobs-and-coalition-appointme

### 2026-07-24: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launches Kiiraay party, formalising split with Ousmane Sonko

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched the Kiiraay party in Dakar, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko, who now heads PASTEF in the National Assembly.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bassirou-diomaye-fayes-new-presidential-party-gains-momentum-in-senegal

### 2026-07-21: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye builds new party and garners broad backing

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new party, drew support from former senators and PASTEF members, pledged prison‑reform actions, and reinforced ties with Gambia, consolidating his political base.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-ousmane-sonko-leads-pastef-member-card-drive-in-this-as-party-faces-internal-split

### 2026-07-20: Senegal backs Macky Sall’s bid for UN secretary‑general

Senegal’s president officially endorsed former President Macky Sall for UN secretary‑general, directing the diplomatic corps to mobilise support and framing the bid as Senegal’s candidacy for Africa and multil­

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-backs-former-president-macky-sall-for-un-secretarygeneral-candidacy

### 2026-07-19: Senegal Deputy Mayor Thérèse Faye Diouf Launches And Dekkal Yaakar Movement

Deputy mayor Thérèse Faye Diouf launched the And Dekkal Yaakar movement in Senegal, targeting youth jobs, women’s empowerment, and balanced territorial development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-deputy-mayor-thrse-faye-diouf-launches-and-dekkal-yaakar-movement

### 2026-07-18: Senegal's President Faye launches new ruling party as ex-leader Macky Sall courts UN backing

Macky Sall returns to Senegal seeking UN Secretary‑General support while President Faye’s coalition forms a new ruling party, reshaping Senegal’s political landscape.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macky-sall-pursues-un-secretary-general-bid-amid-domestic-protocol-dispute

### 2026-07-17: Senegal: Thérèse Diouf launches new political movement as APR faces turmoil

Thérèse Diouf launched a new political movement in Dakar while APR’s Mansour Faye warned of mayor defections, underscoring internal party tension in Senegal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-thrse-diouf-launches-new-political-movement-as-apr-faces-turmoil

### 2026-07-16: Macky Sall returns to Senegal, meets President Faye to seek UN Secretary‑General backing

Macky Sall returned to Senegal on 17 July 2026, was greeted by thousands, met President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to request UN Secretary‑General support, sparking renewed political controversy.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-to-receive-former-president-macky-sall

### 2026-07-11: Senegal President Diomaye Faye clashes with former PM Ousmane Sonko

Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye faces sharp criticism from former PM Ousmane Sonko, who alleges manipulation, pressures party officials, threatens motions of censure and warns of a constitutional crisis.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-pastef-party-wrestles-with-internal-dissent-over-sonko-linked-appointments

### 2026-07-06: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Moves to Create New Presidential Party

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to form a new presidential party, with Aminata Touré leading the effort, SEME‑JI KOOM KOOM merging in, and constitutional hurdles prompting a referendum.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-faye-to-launch-new-political-party

### 2026-07-05: Senegal's MONCAP faction sees members expelled and former coordinator joins president's new party

MONCAP activist Khouraichi Thiam says he was stripped of WhatsApp group access after Fatou Kiné Diakhaté's removal; Diakhaté announces she will join President Bassirou Diakhar Faye’s new party, underscoring r r

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-moncap-faction-sees-members-expelled-and-former-coordinator-joins-presidents-new-party

### 2026-07-04: Senegal's PASTEF Party Launches Online Membership Card Sales

PASTEF in Senegal launched online sales of membership cards, faced technical glitches due to high demand, and affirmed the campaign is meant to register militants, not rival other parties.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-pastef-party-launches-online-membership-card-sales

### 2026-07-04: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye criticised by APR over mayor rally

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s plan for a new party sparked APR criticism, accusing the mayor rally of manipulation; the coalition says the mayors joined voluntarily.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-to-form-new-political-party-after-mayors-rally

### 2026-07-04: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Announces New Party amid Referendum Dispute with Ousmane Sonko

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced a new party and a constitutional referendum, sparking a showdown with rival Ousmane Sonko who calls the vote a bluff.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-bassirou-diomaye-faye-launches-new-party-ending-split-with-pastef

### 2026-06-22: Senegal President warned of constitutional power grab by ruling Pastef

Senegalese critics warn President of a constitutional crisis, accusing ruling Pastef of seeking to revise the constitution and bypass safeguards, while the Constitutional Council declared itself unable to rule

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-warned-of-constitutional-power-grab-by-ruling-pastef

### 2026-06-19: Senegal's Pastef party advances constitutional reform as political tensions rise

Senegal's opposition party Pastef pushes a constitutional overhaul to rebalance powers, denounces parliamentary pressure, and promotes community development amid rising political tensions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-pastef-party-faces-internal-crisis

### 2026-06-18: Senegal auditor Mamadou Faye denies hidden debt as IMF confirms $5bn under‑reporting

Senegal’s outgoing Court of Auditors chief Mamadou Faye says no hidden debt exists, while the IMF confirms about $5 bn was under‑reported from 2019‑2024, prompting a €1.8 bn program suspension and a national‑de

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-journalists-spar-over-pastef-leadership-scrutiny-and-publicdebt-report-timing

### 2026-06-16: Senegal PM Ousmane Sonko grants first RFI interview, marking shift in foreign media stance

Senegal PM Ousmane Sonko, once opposed to French media, gave a joint interview to France 24 and RFI, signalling a strategic diplomatic shift as his government consolidates power.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-pm-ousmane-sonko-grants-first-rfi-interview-marking-shift-in-foreign-media-stance

### 2026-06-16: Senegal President Diomaye Faye faces internal rift with Prime Minister Sonko

Senegal’s president Bassirou Diomaye Faye is facing growing tension with prime minister Ousmane Sonko, highlighted by party insiders and a key member’s defection.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-diomaye-faye-faces-internal-rift-with-prime-minister-sonko

### 2026-06-13: Senegal's PASTEF party faces leadership reshuffle and exclusion debate

Ousmane Sonko says PASTEF will decide later on President Diomaye Faye’s exclusion, while two party vice‑presidents resigned to enable El Malick Ndiaye’s return to Senegal’s Assembly Bureau.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-pastef-party-faces-leadership-reshuffle-and-exclusion-debate

### 2026-06-12: Senegal sees Assembly vice‑presidents resign and archives director quit amid political crisis

Senegal’s Assembly vice‑presidents resign and a constitutional revision bill is filed, while the national archives director quits, citing a split with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and loyalty to Ousmane Sonk

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-sees-assembly-vicepresidents-resign-and-archives-director-quit-amid-political-crisis

### 2026-06-12: Senegal MP Guy Marius Sagna calls on PASTEF officials to prioritize performance and honour party’s fund‑reform pledge

Senegalese MP Guy Marius Sagna urged PASTEF officials to excel in office and recalled Ousmane Sonko’s pledge to replace political funds with special, parliament‑oversight funds.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-mp-guy-marius-sagna-calls-on-pastef-officials-to-prioritize-performance-and-honour-partys-fu

### 2026-06-11: Senegal's PASTEF Party Holds Congress, Re‑elects Ousmane Sonko

PASTEF held a congress in Senegal, merging about 60 groups, re‑electing Ousmane Sonko and adopting new policy goals; a related platform urged unity around the party amid concerns over Sonko’s removal as prime‑m

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegals-pastef-party-holds-congress-reelects-ousmane-sonko

### 2026-06-10: Senegal President Faye Fires Prime Minister Amid IMF and Political Conflict

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on May 22 2026, creating a governance crisis while negotiating IMF‑backed financing under his Vision 2050 plan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-faye-fires-prime-minister-amid-imf-and-political-conflict

### 2026-06-06: Senegal President Diomaye Faye Signals Authority over PM Sonko at Wade Centenary

President Diomaye Faye used the Wade centenary in Dakar to reaffirm presidential authority and signal a warning to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko amid coalition tensions and IMF negotiations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-diomaye-faye-signals-authority-over-pm-sonko-at-wade-centenary

### 2026-06-06: Ousmane Sonko Re‑elected Unanimously as Head of Senegal's Ruling Pastef Party

Ousmane Sonko was unanimously re‑elected for a six‑year term as head of Senegal’s ruling PASTEF party on 6 June 2026, amid a growing rift with President Bassirou Faye and potential parliamentary challenges.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-president-fayes-split-with-expm-sonko-coincides-with-appointment-of-new-digital-minister

### 2026-05-28: Senegal President Faye Dismisses Prime Minister Sonko, Sparks Political Turmoil

Senegal’s President Faye ousts PM Ousmane Sonko, prompting a crisis; new PM to be named, Assembly pledges support, opposition demands audit, and ex‑president Wade stays silent.

57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gambia-president-barrow-criticized-for-court-comments-accepts-military-chiefs-resignation

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Cite as: Senegal political split deepens amid election delays. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gambia-leadership-controversy-2026