Ousmane Sonko reaffirms leadership at Senegal’s Pastef party congress

Ousmane Sonko, Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly and former Prime Minister, has secured a decisive re-election as leader of his party, Pastef, amid escalating political tensions in the country. His victory at the extraordinary congress held in Diamniadio, near Dakar, sent a clear message to rivals contesting his vision for Senegal’s future.

The gathering brought together delegates from across the nation and the diaspora, marking the party’s first major assembly since its establishment in 2014. Sonko’s re-election extends his mandate for another six years, underscoring the growing influence of Pastef in Senegal’s political landscape.

“This responsibility carries immense weight, as Pastef is no ordinary party in Senegal’s political scene,” Sonko declared from the podium. He emphasized the need for a robust ideology and structured organization to prevent revolutions from being diluted or hijacked over time. “This congress is historic, coming two years after our rise to the highest levels of governance,” he added.

The political dynamics shifted earlier this year when Bassirou Diomaye Faye, backed by Pastef, won the presidential election. Sonko, who had initially been excluded from the race, was later removed from his post as Prime Minister on May 22. Within days, he assumed the role of National Assembly President, further consolidating his influence within the party.

Addressing the delegates, Sonko issued a stern warning against attempts to undermine Pastef’s revolutionary agenda. “Any effort to sabotage this movement will fail because the people, standing firmly with Pastef, will ensure our nation’s liberation,” he declared. His remarks underscored the party’s unwavering commitment to its goals despite internal and external pressures.

The party leadership’s refusal to join Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s newly formed government, despite some members’ participation, highlights the deepening rift. With a commanding majority of 130 out of 165 seats in the National Assembly, Pastef holds significant leverage, including the power to trigger a confidence vote to topple the government. Meanwhile, the President retains the authority to reshuffle his cabinet post-censure and dissolve the Assembly starting November 2026.