The political landscape in Senegal has taken a dramatic turn as tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko escalate into an open confrontation.

Confrontation in Touba-Mbacké

The political climate in Senegal has reached a boiling point. During a rally held on July 12 in Mbacké, Ousmane Sonko—now Speaker of the National Assembly—delivered a fiery speech, directly attacking President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his administration. The leader of the Pastef movement accused the executive branch of abandoning its sovereignist promises, particularly regarding the renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts, a cornerstone of the ruling coalition’s agenda.

In a speech that quickly went viral across social media the following day, Sonko condemned what he described as a betrayal of the Pastef project. He also highlighted allegations of corruption within state institutions. His warning was clear: he intends to file a censure motion to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, who was appointed on May 25, 2026, following a presidential decree.

A rift that began in May

This escalation marks the culmination of a growing divide between the two leaders. On May 22, 2026, President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko from his post as Prime Minister, leading to the complete dissolution of the government. This decision stunned the nation, as the two men had been viewed as the twin pillars of the Pastef movement since the March 2024 presidential election.

Three days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô took over as Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Sonko was appointed Speaker of the National Assembly—a strategic yet less influential role. Far from receding from the political stage, the former Prime Minister has used this platform to amplify his criticisms and exert pressure on the executive branch.

Mayors rally behind President Faye

As Sonko intensifies his offensive, President Faye is shoring up support across the country. On July 12—the same day as the Mbacké rally—ten of the sixteen mayors in the Mbour district publicly declared their allegiance to the President. This show of strength comes as Faye works to build a political base independent of the historic Pastef party.

The founding congress of Faye’s new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026, at the Dakar Arena. This event symbolizes the President’s determination to break free from Sonko’s influence and the party that propelled them to power together.

Clashing priorities and legal battles

Sonko’s criticisms extend beyond economic policies. He has also condemned the decision of the seven constitutional sages who invalidated the constitutional reform, directly targeting President Faye in the process. The tone is one of outright opposition, despite both men originating from the same political movement.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has not remained silent. In response to Sonko’s allegations, he took to social media to denounce what he called the politicization of patriotism. This counterattack underscores the executive’s resolve to withstand the pressure.

Understanding the stakes in Senegal

Senegal, a nation of 18 million people on Africa’s western coast, experienced a historic political shift in March 2024 with the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The young President, backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, had pledged to dismantle the practices of the former regime and prioritize sovereign management of natural resources, particularly oil and gas reserves discovered off the coast of Dakar.

Mbacké, where Sonko held his July 12 rally, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the spiritual heart of the Mouride brotherhood, a powerful Sufi order in Senegal. Touba, a neighboring city and the Mourides’ spiritual capital, holds significant electoral weight. Sonko’s presence in this strategic area is no coincidence—it reflects his effort to solidify his base in a region where President Faye is also seeking to expand his influence.

The legal pathway to a censure motion

The threat of a censure motion is not an empty gesture. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko possesses the procedural tools to initiate such a process. However, the critical question remains: does he have the necessary majority to force the government’s resignation? The Pastef holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, but the real challenge lies in determining how many deputies will follow Sonko in challenging a President from the same political movement.

The standoff between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of contracts with multinational corporations and the future political direction of post-alternance Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 launch of President Faye’s new party could mark a decisive turning point in a crisis that is fracturing the very coalition that brought about change.