Political tensions in Senegal intensify as senior figure criticizes Ousmane Sonko
Senegal’s political landscape continues to witness sharp divisions within the ruling party, Pastef, as prominent figures openly challenge internal dynamics. In a televised appearance on TFM, veteran politician Aldiouma Sow delivered a scathing assessment of party leader Ousmane Sonko, accusing him of abandoning the movement’s foundational principles.
Sow, now aligned with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye‘s faction, argued that Sonko’s “messianic tendencies” have emerged only since the party assumed power in 2024. According to Sow, Sonko’s transformation contradicts the collective vision that originally united party members, who joined Pastef not for personality-driven leadership but for a shared political project.
The veteran politician emphasized that Sonko’s current trajectory risks isolating the party from its base and reinforcing criticisms previously leveled by opposition groups. Sow’s remarks follow weeks of public statements where he has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of President Faye while distancing himself from Sonko’s leadership style.
This public rift coincides with growing tensions between the head of state and the Assembly President, Sonko. Reports indicate that President Faye has distanced himself from Pastef to establish his own political movement, further straining party cohesion.
