Ousmane Sonko Re-elected Leader of Senegal Pastef Party

Senegal National Assembly Speaker Ousmane Sonko secured re-election Saturday as the leader of his political party, intensifying a dramatic feud with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The internal vote highlights a deepening institutional crisis within the heavily indebted West African nation following Sonko’s recent removal from the government.

The leader of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, a powerful mentor-turned-rival to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, won re-election Saturday as head of their party amid a political crisis sparked by their falling-out.

Sonko, who was sacked as Faye’s prime minister on May 22, easily won a leadership vote at a congress of their Pan-African Pastef party in Diamniadio, outside the capital Dakar, according to a text read out at the gathering.

Faye won the presidency after widely popular Sonko was barred from standing in Senegal’s 2024 election.

Sonko anointed Faye to run in his place, then served as his premier.

But after months of mounting tension between them, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister.

Sonko promptly won election to his current post as speaker of the National Assembly.

The rift has triggered political upheaval for the heavily indebted west African country and uncertainty for their party, the biggest in parliament.

Faye urged against further dividing the nation in a speech on Thursday.

“No quarrel, however bitter, is worth tearing apart the country we share,” he said.

Future Outlook

The political landscape in Senegal faces severe uncertainty as the executive branch and the legislature remain locked in a bitter power struggle. With Sonko firmly controlling the dominant Pastef party and the National Assembly, President Faye’s legislative agenda may face significant gridlock. Observers fear the ongoing governance crisis could hinder economic reforms needed to manage the nation’s heavy sovereign debt.

FAQs

Why was Ousmane Sonko removed as prime minister?

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko on May 22, 2026, following months of escalating political tensions and an internal falling-out between the two leaders.

What is Ousmane Sonko’s current role in the government?

Following his dismissal as prime minister, Sonko was elected as the speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, keeping him in a powerful position to influence the country’s legislative branch.

How did Bassirou Diomaye Faye initially become president?

Sonko was legally barred from competing in the 2024 presidential election. Consequently, he endorsed Faye to run in his place, leading to Faye’s eventual victory and Sonko’s initial appointment as prime minister.

What is the Pastef party?

Pastef, or the Pan-African Pastef party, is the largest political organization in Senegal’s parliament. It is the ruling party that brought both Faye and Sonko to power.