Senegal’s political shift: president faye’s new party sparks rivalry with sonko

Senegal is currently navigating significant political turbulence. On Friday, July 3, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced his intention to establish his own political party. This decision marks a clear escalation in the tension between him and his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko, who now holds the position of President of the National Assembly. It appears both prominent figures are actively working to solidify their individual political standing, seemingly setting the stage for a direct contest in the 2029 presidential elections. Political science professor Maurice Soudieck Dione from Gaston-Bergé University in Saint-Louis provides insights into this evolving dynamic.