The recent appointment of Senegal’s new government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, has sparked intense debate. Comprising thirty ministers—mostly technocrats and allies of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—the team notably excludes key figures from the Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko. Despite Sonko’s refusal to participate, several Pastef members remain in the government, raising questions about internal party dynamics and the broader implications for Senegal’s political landscape.

Aminata Touré, coordinator of the Diomaye Président coalition and this week’s featured guest, shared her perspective on the government’s formation and its challenges. Speaking from Dakar, she emphasized the importance of democratic principles and Senegal’s urgent need to focus on governance rather than political infighting.

Respecting democratic foundations

Touré underscored that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election victory—secured with 54% of the vote—grants him the authority to appoint the Prime Minister and approve the government. She framed the new administration as a pragmatic choice, driven by the necessity to address pressing national issues rather than ideological disputes.

« The priority for Senegalese citizens is for us to get to work, » she stated. « This government reflects a commitment to efficiency and action. »

Navigating cohabitation and party dynamics

With the Pastef party holding a majority in the National Assembly, questions have arisen about the potential for governance challenges. Touré dismissed concerns of institutional gridlock, noting that both the President and several ministers are members of Pastef. She argued that if all parties prioritize national interests over personal agendas, cooperation is not only possible but essential.

« We must avoid turning governance into a never-ending domestic dispute, » she asserted. « Each institution—the executive, legislature, judiciary, and Constitutional Council—has a role to play. The focus should be on delivering for the people, who have made it clear they want results, not crises. »

Accountability vs. political vendettas

Touré addressed criticism that the government’s exclusion of key Pastef figures signals a retreat from the party’s promised moralization of politics. She firmly rejected this notion, stressing that accountability does not equate to political witch-hunts.

« I served as Minister of Justice and understand the distinction between accountability and vengeance, » she explained. « The President remains committed to accountability, but not to settling scores. Justice must be impartial, regardless of political affiliation. »

Debt restructuring: A pragmatic approach

The conversation also turned to Senegal’s economic challenges, particularly the contentious issue of debt restructuring with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Touré framed the debate as practical rather than ideological, acknowledging the need for reprofiling while cautioning against measures that could harm social programs.

« Restructuring cannot mean repeating the mistakes of the 1980s, when structural adjustments led to social cuts and mass unemployment, » she warned. « We must negotiate sustainable solutions that protect our citizens while addressing our financial obligations. »

2029 elections: A distraction from urgent priorities

Touré dismissed the idea that the government’s formation or the Pastef’s absence is a strategic move to derail President Faye’s agenda in favor of Ousmane Sonko’s presidential ambitions for 2029. Instead, she framed the focus on elections as a distraction from the nation’s immediate needs.

« It’s natural for political figures to have ambitions, but the people of Senegal have made it clear they want leaders to address their real challenges, » she said. « A three-year election campaign would serve no one. Our priority must be solving the problems that matter to citizens today. »

Concluding her remarks, Touré reiterated a core message: « Democracy must be allowed to function. Differences in opinion are inevitable, but the guiding principle should always be the interests of Senegal and its people. »