Senegal political tensions rise as sonko threatens government shake-up

Sparking controversy in Touba-Mbacké

Senegal’s political crisis has escalated, with Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, launching a sharp attack on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his administration during a July 12 rally in Mbacké. The leader of the Pastef movement accused the government of abandoning key sovereignist promises, particularly the renegotiation of oil, gas, and mining contracts—central pledges of the ruling coalition.

Sonko’s fiery rhetoric, widely shared on social media the next day, framed the executive’s actions as a betrayal of the Pastef project and highlighted alleged corruption within state institutions. His warning was clear: he intends to file a no-confidence motion to oust Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, who was appointed on May 25 following a presidential decree.

A rift that began in May

The confrontation reflects a deepening political split that became official in late May. President Faye abruptly dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister on May 22, 2026, a move that stunned observers given their long-standing alliance as co-founders of the Pastef movement following Faye’s March 2024 election victory.

Three days later, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô took over as head of government. Sonko, however, was swiftly appointed Speaker of the National Assembly—a powerful but indirect role. Rather than stepping back, the former Prime Minister has used this platform to intensify his criticism and keep pressure on the executive.

Local leaders throw support behind Faye

As Sonko ramps up his offensive, President Faye is shoring up grassroots backing. On July 12, the same day as the Mbacké rally, ten of Mbour’s sixteen mayors publicly declared their support for the President. This show of strength coincides with Faye’s push to build a new political base, separate from the original Pastef movement.

The founding congress of Faye’s new party is scheduled for August 8, 2026, at the Dakar Arena. This event underscores the President’s determination to break free from Sonko’s influence and the party that propelled them both to power.

A multi-pronged political battle

Sonko’s criticism extends beyond resource contracts. He has also condemned the Constitutional Council’s seven judges for invalidating a constitutional revision, directly implicating President Faye in the decision. The tone signals an outright opposition, despite both men hailing from the same political movement.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has not stayed silent. He responded on social media by accusing Sonko of politicizing patriotism, highlighting the executive’s resolve not to be destabilized.

Setting the scene in Senegal

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

Mbacké, where the July 12 rally took place, is a religious city in the Diourbel region and the heart of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood—a powerful force in Senegalese society. Touba, the neighboring spiritual capital of the Mourides, is a critical electoral battleground. Sonko’s presence in the area is strategic, aiming to strengthen his base in a region where President Faye is also trying to gain traction.

Could a no-confidence motion succeed?

The threat of a no-confidence motion is more than just political posturing. As Speaker of the National Assembly, Sonko holds procedural tools to initiate such a process. The bigger question is whether he can secure the required majority to bring down the government. The Pastef still holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly following legislative elections, but the real test is how many deputies will side with Sonko against a President from the same movement.

The power struggle between the two leaders continues, with high stakes: the renegotiation of contracts with multinational corporations and the future political direction of post-alternance Senegal. The August 8 party congress could mark another pivotal moment in this escalating crisis that is dividing the camp of change.