Senegal crisis deepens as Sonko threatens to topple Faye’s government

Confrontation erupts in Mbacké

Tensions in Senegal’s political landscape have escalated sharply after Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, delivered a scathing address in Mbacké on July 12. The former Prime Minister accused President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration of abandoning the sovereignist renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts—a cornerstone promise of their shared coalition.

In a speech that quickly went viral, Sonko alleged that the government had betrayed the Pastef movement’s founding principles and pointed to alleged corruption within state institutions. His message was clear: he intends to introduce a no-confidence motion to force the resignation of the current Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, who was appointed on May 25 following a presidential decree.

Political rift widens after abrupt dismissal

The clash follows a dramatic rupture between the two leaders. On May 22, 2026, President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko from the premiership, dissolving the entire government in the process. The decision stunned the nation, as the two men had been viewed as inseparable pillars of the Pastef movement since the March 2024 presidential election.

Just days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô assumed the role of Prime Minister. Sonko, however, was reassigned to the influential position of National Assembly Speaker—a strategic but less direct role in governance. Far from stepping back, he has used this platform to intensify his criticism and pressure the executive branch.

Mayors rally behind President Faye

As Sonko ramps up his campaign, President Faye is shoring up support across the country. On July 12, the same day as the Mbacké gathering, ten of the sixteen mayors in Mbour district publicly endorsed the President. This show of loyalty came as Faye works to establish his own political base, distinct from the original Pastef movement.

The founding congress of Faye’s new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026, at Dakar Arena. This event symbolizes the President’s determination to break free from Sonko’s influence and forge an independent political identity.

Opposition extends beyond resource contracts

Sonko’s criticisms have broadened beyond economic policy. He has also condemned the Constitutional Council’s seven judges for striking down a constitutional revision, directly implicating President Faye in the decision. The tone remains combative, despite both men originating from the same political movement.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has not remained silent. In response to Sonko’s allegations, he took to social media to denounce what he described as the politicization of patriotism. This rebuttal underscores the executive’s resolve to withstand the pressure.

Senegal’s evolving political landscape

Senegal, home to 18 million people in West Africa, underwent a historic political shift in March 2024 with the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The young President, backed by the Pastef movement and its leader Ousmane Sonko, vowed to end the practices of the previous administration and prioritize sovereign control over the country’s natural resources, particularly offshore oil and gas reserves near Dakar.

Mbacké, where Sonko delivered his speech, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the spiritual heart of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, a powerful force in Senegalese politics. The neighboring city of Touba, the movement’s headquarters, is a critical electoral battleground. Sonko’s presence in this area is strategic, aimed at solidifying his base in a region where President Faye is also seeking to expand his influence.

Legal pathways to a no-confidence motion

The threat of a no-confidence motion is not an empty gesture. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Sonko holds procedural tools to initiate such a process. The key question remains whether he can secure the majority required to topple the government. The Pastef currently holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, but the real test will be how many deputies will follow Sonko in defying a President who emerged from the same movement.

The power struggle between the two leaders continues, with the renegotiation of contracts with multinational corporations and the future political direction of post-transition Senegal hanging in the balance. The August 8 launch of Faye’s new party could mark another decisive chapter in this unfolding crisis.