From Touba, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during the inauguration of his party’s local headquarters, Ousmane Sonko, the influential leader of Pastef and President of the National Assembly, delivered a stern rebuke to the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko openly condemned what he described as a “precarious” state administration and criticized President Faye’s conduct, vowing to challenge future legislation by systematically referring bills to the Constitutional Council.
Addressing an assembly of his staunch supporters, and drawing upon the revered principles of probity inherent in Mouridism, Ousmane Sonko painted a stark picture of the current executive branch. Echoing persistent whispers of internal divisions that have circulated for months, the former Prime Minister lambasted a President he characterized as isolated and susceptible to external influences. He directly accused the head of state of being manipulated by certain factions, even from within the opposition, who he believes are encouraging President Faye to distance himself from his former mentor.
