President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Unveils New Party Kiiraay, Ending Rift with Ousmane Sonko
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Senegalese president, has officially launched his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, marking a definitive break from his former mentor and ex-Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Before hundreds of supporters, President Diomaye Faye presented Kiiraay as a movement founded on ‘the Republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and work’, claiming it now represents the dominant force in this country. His slogan, “The Homeland First”, highlights his desire to build a new political force around his presidential actions.
The creation of Kiiraay cements months of tension between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, two figures who had jointly won power under the Pastef banner. Their disagreement, fueled by issues such as debt management and differing views on institutional reforms, led to Sonko’s dismissal in May. Despite this, Sonko remains Assembly National President and Pastef leader, suggesting a new phase of political rivalry atop the state.
This move marks a significant shift for Faye, who has been criticized by opposition parties for his handling of the country’s economic crisis and institutional reforms.
The launch of Kiiraay is seen as an attempt to shore up Faye’s support base ahead of the 2026 presidential election, where he faces growing challenges from his opponents.
