Ousmane Sonko was re-elected as the chief of the PASTEF party on June 1, 2026 [2].
The move signals a deepening divide between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, potentially destabilizing the governance of Senegal during a period of political crisis.
Sonko previously served as the nation's prime minister before being fired on May 22, 2026 [3]. Following his removal, he has also been identified as the speaker of Senegal's parliament, though reports on his official status vary between sources.
Shortly after securing his leadership position within PASTEF on June 1, Sonko issued a warning regarding the composition of the current administration. He said that the party would not take part in the new government [1].
"We will not participate in the new government," Sonko said [1].
The rift between the two leaders follows a period of cooperation that helped bring their political movement to power. The current disagreement centers on the formation of the new government, and the level of influence Sonko and his party will maintain in the executive branch.
This refusal to join the administration leaves the president without the formal support of the party leadership in the cabinet. The standoff in Dakar continues as the government attempts to stabilize its leadership structure without the cooperation of the PASTEF chief.
“"We will not participate in the new government."”
The rejection of the new government by the PASTEF party chief creates a significant power vacuum and a legitimacy crisis for President Faye. Because Sonko maintains a strong grip on the party's grassroots support, his refusal to collaborate suggests a transition from a unified political front to a fractured government, which may lead to legislative deadlock or further civil unrest in Senegal.
