Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has indicated he may take his Pastef party out of Senegal’s government if President Bassirou Diomaye Faye diverges from the party’s vision. The statement comes amid growing speculation of a power struggle between the two leaders.
Senegal faces economic pressure after a long-running dispute with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF froze a $1.8 billion programme in 2024 following the discovery of over $11 billion in misreported debts under the previous administration.
Sonko, speaking live on Sunday (1 March), said any “soft power-sharing” arrangement could continue if the president aligns with the party. But a clearer split would see Pastef either enter opposition or face “more difficult cohabitation.”
Key developments:
• Sonko leads Pastef, which holds a parliamentary majority, and was previously barred from the 2024 presidential election.
• Faye, Sonko’s former aide, was elected president and appointed him prime minister.
• Conflicting statements from their camps in November 2025 signalled emerging internal tensions.
• Past comments on IMF debt restructuring affected Senegal’s international bond market.
ℹ️ Reuters
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