The President of Sénégal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has unveiled plans to establish a new political party aimed at consolidating support for his administration. This bold move was announced following a four-hour meeting with 306 mayors representing all 14 regions of the country, all of whom are part of the Coalition Diomaye Président. The initiative seeks to formalize the political backing of the head of state, particularly as power dynamics within the government undergo significant shifts.

To spearhead this effort, President Faye has entrusted Aminata Touré, the General Supervisor of the Coalition Diomaye Président, with forming a dedicated committee. This team will be tasked with drafting the organizational and statutory foundations of the new party in the coming weeks, ensuring it is prepared for upcoming electoral challenges.

The coalition’s official statement frames this development as a logical progression in its mission, emphasizing that the new party will foster an organic unity under the leadership of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This unity is seen as essential for navigating the political landscape ahead of future elections.

During the gathering, local officials reaffirmed their unwavering support for the president’s agenda, praising his commitment to promoting territorial equity. They highlighted how his policies prioritize decentralization and the empowerment of local governments as cornerstones of national development.

This political restructuring unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, who stepped down as Prime Minister in May 2026, now serves as President of the National Assembly, where he wields considerable influence through his parliamentary majority.

The rift between the two leaders has deepened in recent weeks, particularly following the adoption of a constitutional reform bill by lawmakers on June 29. The proposed changes include prohibiting the president from simultaneously leading a political party, transforming the Constitutional Council into a Constitutional Court, and expanding the powers of the legislature.

The disagreement between Faye and Sonko centers on the finalization of this reform. While Sonko advocates for its direct promulgation by the president, citing legal precedents, Faye insists on holding a referendum to allow citizens to directly endorse the changes. The date for such a vote remains undecided.