Sénégal’s opposition shifts stance: why the PDS now backs Diomaye Faye against Sonko

PDS abandons past feud to oppose Sonko-backed reforms

The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) has taken a bold step by urging voters to reject the constitutional reform proposal currently under debate in the National Assembly. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has responded by announcing a public referendum, allowing citizens to decide the fate of the contested legislation.

The draft law, spearheaded by Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko, seeks to expand parliamentary powers while curtailing those of the presidency. This strategic shift by the PDS—historically aligned with former President Abdoulaye Wade—marks a significant departure from its earlier alliance with Sonko’s movement.

From rivals to reluctant allies: the PDS-Pastef dynamic

In July 2022, the PDS joined forces with Pastef in the legislative elections, aiming to bolster opposition chances against then-President Macky Sall. By early 2024, as presidential elections loomed, the PDS made a decisive move: backing the Sonko-Faye ticket after its own candidate, Karim Wade, was barred from running. Wade’s exclusion—following his imprisonment and subsequent exile—left the PDS searching for new political leverage.

This alliance proved pivotal for Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who secured a broader electoral base. While officially framed as a defense of democratic principles and a push to unseat the ruling party’s candidate, Amadou Ba, the PDS’s motives were more nuanced. The party viewed Sonko’s rise as a direct threat to its influence, particularly after Wade’s disqualification.

A fragile partnership with no long-term commitment

Despite initial cooperation, the PDS never fully integrated into the new administration. It maintained its independence, refusing to merge with Pastef or the presidential coalition. Analysts suggest this was less about ideological alignment and more about political survival.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy, director of the E-Jicom journalism school in Dakar, explains:

“The PDS is repositioning itself in the political landscape after years in the wilderness. Following its loss of power, the party faced a steep decline. Now, it sees an opportunity to re-engage with the corridors of influence to regain relevance.”

Others argue Karim Wade gambled on Sonko’s radical rhetoric losing traction over time—a bet that materialized when the PDS later aligned with Macky Sall’s APR party in late 2024 legislative elections, despite long-standing rivalry.

Opposition unites against Sonko’s reform agenda

Current tensions between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko have created a fresh opportunity for the PDS to reposition itself. The party now backs Faye’s decision to put the reforms to a vote while urging voters to reject them outright.

In an official statement, the PDS called on its members and supporters to “build a dam against these reforms” and vote “NO” in the referendum. The party condemned the proposals as driven by Sonko’s personal ambitions, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions:

“The PDS urges all militants, sympathizers, and Senegalese citizens to mobilize and reject these reforms. Repeated attempts to revise our constitution stem solely from Ousmane Sonko’s self-interest, betraying his thirst for power and disdain for republican institutions—the very foundations of our democracy and freedoms.”

According to Hamadou Tidiane Sy, this stance reflects a broader opposition consensus:

“It’s not just the PDS—nearly the entire opposition is aligned in opposition to Sonko. Even if they don’t openly endorse Diomaye, their goal is clear: to block Sonko.”

Sy adds that Sonko’s increasingly radical discourse has alienated many political actors, painting him as a disruptive force resistant to reconciliation.

“Today, the entire political class views him as a spoiler—a figure whose confrontational approach obstructs national unity.”

Diomaye Faye seeks new political foundations

As internal criticism within Pastef grows, President Faye appears focused on consolidating an alternative base. The potential support of major parties like the PDS could prove invaluable in this effort.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy believes Faye is already laying groundwork for a post-Pastef future:

“He no longer places faith in Pastef as a reliable support base. For a potential second term, he’s cultivating his ‘Diomaye President’ coalition. His strategy revolves around strengthening this alliance.”

The analyst even suggests a definitive rift with Sonko’s party is now inevitable:

“For Pastef supporters, Bassirou Diomaye Faye is already a relic of the past. They accuse him of betrayal—a label they’ve firmly attached to him.”