Political shake-up in Senegal as pastef faces mass resignations
Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing unprecedented upheaval as a wave of resignations from key figures within Pastef sends shockwaves through the party and the nation. What began as isolated departures has rapidly escalated into a sweeping exodus, with cadres, former allies of Ousmane Sonko, and even public agency directors stepping down in rapid succession.
From isolated departures to a political earthquake
The resignations, once sporadic, have now snowballed into a full-blown crisis for Pastef. Among those exiting the party are prominent figures who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ousmane Sonko, including ministers and high-ranking officials. The turning point came with the dismissal of Sonko from the Prime Minister’s office in May 2026, a move that exposed deepening divisions between the Presidency and the party leadership.
Despite retaining his role as President of the National Assembly, Sonko’s influence within the party remains under threat as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye consolidates control over state institutions. The rift between the two leaders, once hailed as the driving force behind Senegal’s political renewal in March 2024, has now become irreparable.
A constitutional reform that ignited the crisis
The tipping point arrived on July 3, when President Faye announced plans to establish a new presidential party—a move widely interpreted as a definitive break from Pastef. The initiative, coupled with the growing momentum of the “Diomaye Président” coalition, has further alienated Sonko’s supporters and accelerated the exodus of cadres from the party.
One of the most notable resignations was that of Minister Moussa Bala Fofana, who stepped down from his post in Urban Planning just days after Sonko publicly criticized ministers for failing to align with party directives. Fofana denied acting on presidential orders, instead expressing respect for his former mentor, Sonko.
What lies ahead for Pastef?
The mass exodus raises critical questions about the future of Pastef. With the party’s structure weakening and internal cohesion crumbling, the political fate of Ousmane Sonko hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, President Faye’s push to centralize power under a new political banner signals a strategic shift that could reshape Senegal’s political landscape for years to come.
