Ousmane Sonko’s political plébiscite: what will he do with his mandate?

Le président du Pastef et ex-Premier ministre sénégalais, Ousmane Sonko, le 2 juin 2026, à Dakar.

The Pastef party now stands more united than ever behind a single leader. Ousmane Sonko was overwhelmingly re-elected as party head during Saturday’s congress. Removed from the prime minister position two weeks ago by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the former government chief—now president of the National Assembly—used the occasion to further solidify his role as a political opponent to the head of state. Holding a majority in parliament, the Pastef party, Sonko stated, “will ensure that the people’s interests are safeguarded.” How do you see the relationship between Sonko and Diomaye Faye evolving in the coming months? We want to hear your reactions.