On Saturday, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye proudly launched his new political party, Kiiraay, after a public rift with his former mentor and ex-prime minister, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, who leads the Pan-Africanist party Pastef, played a crucial role in Faye’s election to the presidency in 2024.
Upon taking office, Faye appointed Sonko as prime minister, but their relationship deteriorated, leading to Sonko’s dismissal in May.
During a vibrant assembly in Dakar, Faye introduced Kiiraay—meaning “protection” or “shield” in Wolof—to a packed audience of enthusiastic supporters. Hundreds more, unable to enter the hotel conference room, waited outside in the sweltering heat, proudly displaying signs and wearing decorative scarves emblazoned with “Vive Diomaye.”
In unveiling the new party, which proudly carries the slogan “Republican Patriots,” Faye emphasized its foundation on principles of “republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and hard work.”
Renowned for his pan-Africanist vision, Sonko garnered significant support among the youth of Senegal following a power struggle with previous president Macky Sall, who served from 2012 to 2024. Both Sonko and Faye campaigned on promises of transformative change, economic progress, social justice, and a commitment to combat corruption.
However, the fallout in their partnership reflects a shift in sentiments among some of Faye’s supporters. Mamo Khady Sall, 43, who attended the assembly with a group of 15 women from Yeumbeul, praised Faye as a “man of peace” but expressed strong disdain for Sonko, refusing to mention his name.
Economist and financial engineer Ibra Faye from Dakar expressed hope that Faye could now realize the changes he envisioned without the discord that previously hindered his administration. “After two years in power, we recognize that the requested changes were simply unachievable under the former party structure,” the 54-year-old stated.
Faye confidently declared, “Kiiraay is the majority party in this country,” as he highlighted the support of mayors, sector leaders, and other prominent figures during the general assembly. Although Kiiraay has yet to demonstrate its electoral strength, recent resignations from multiple Pastef officials and activists signal a shift toward the presidential camp.
The daily newspaper Yoor Yoor, closely aligned with Pastef, downplayed these departures, suggesting they were merely “a few dozen high-profile resignations” compared to what it termed a “tidal wave” of new memberships for Pastef.
Faye’s communication team announced plans for a congress after the summer rainy season in the country. It is essential to note that Faye owes his presidency to Sonko, who, had he not faced a defamation conviction barring him from the 2024 presidential election, would likely hold that position today.
Their disagreement over strategies to tackle Senegal’s significant public debt and other policy issues ultimately led to their falling out. On May 22, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister, but Sonko’s allies quickly appointed him as speaker of parliament, ensuring his continued influence as the leader of Pastef, which commands 130 of the 165 seats in Senegal’s legislative chamber.
In late June, the National Assembly passed a bill aimed at reducing presidential powers, including a prohibition on the president leading a political party or coalition. However, the Constitutional Council overturned this measure less than two weeks later.
