In a significant political shift in Sénégal, the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (PDS) has officially called on its supporters to reject the proposed constitutional overhaul in the upcoming referendum.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently announced this national consultation, giving citizens the final word on a controversial law that has sparked intense debate across the country. The legislation, which was passed by a majority in the National Assembly, was championed by Ousmane Sonko and his Pastef party. It seeks to significantly increase parliamentary authority while curtailing the executive powers of the head of state.

By opposing this reform, the PDS has effectively aligned itself with the President’s position. This decision by the party of Abdoulaye Wade to support Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a calculated move that reflects the complex evolution of the country’s political landscape.

The roots of the PDS-Diomaye connection

The relationship between these forces dates back to the July 2022 legislative elections, when the PDS teamed up with Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef to challenge the dominance of then-President Macky Sall. By the March 2024 presidential election, this alliance deepened. After Karim Wade was disqualified from the race, the PDS leadership chose to endorse the joint ticket of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This endorsement was pivotal, helping Bassirou Diomaye Faye capture a broader segment of the electorate. While the official narrative focused on protecting the rule of law and defeating the incumbent’s candidate, Amadou Ba, the PDS had its own grievances. The party blamed Macky Sall’s administration for Karim Wade’s exclusion and hoped that supporting the opposition would allow their exiled leader to retain a foothold in the new government.

A partnership of convenience rather than conviction

Despite their shared victory, the PDS did not join the new administration. The party has maintained its independence, keeping a distance from both Pastef and the broader presidential coalition. This suggests that the bond was more about political survival than shared ideology.

After losing power years ago, the PDS faced a period of decline. Moving closer to the current presidency appears to be a strategy to regain political relevance. Interestingly, during the late 2024 snap legislative elections, the PDS even briefly allied with Macky Sall’s APR, demonstrating their willingness to shift allegiances to stay afloat.

Blocking the path for Ousmane Sonko

The growing friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a fresh opportunity. By backing the President’s call for a referendum but urging a rejection of the specific reforms, the party is taking a stand against Sonko’s vision for the country.

In a recent statement, the PDS called on its members and all Sénégalese citizens to mobilize against the changes. They argued that the proposed revisions to the constitution are driven by Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and a perceived hostility toward republican institutions. This sentiment is echoed by much of the opposition, who see Sonko as a polarizing figure whose radical rhetoric is increasingly alienating other political actors.

A fragile alignment for the President

While this situation might seem to favor Bassirou Diomaye Faye, it does not necessarily signal a permanent new alliance. Many who oppose the constitutional changes are doing so to block Ousmane Sonko rather than to show genuine support for the President. They view the reforms as a power grab designed to centralize control within the legislature.

However, the President may be looking beyond Pastef to build a new political base. There are signs that he is focusing on strengthening his own “Diomaye Président” coalition in anticipation of future challenges. Within some circles of Pastef, the rift is already viewed as a betrayal, suggesting that the political landscape of Sénégal is entering a new and uncertain chapter.