Senegal’s new cabinet: diomaye and sonko navigate cohabitation without pastef

Le président sénégalais, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, prononce un discours après avoir reçu le rapport officiel sur le massacre de Thiaroye lors d’une cérémonie au palais présidentiel de Dakar, le 16 octobre 2025.

Senegal has officially unveiled its new government, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political trajectory. The formation of this new cabinet highlights a unique cohabitation arrangement between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, notably without the direct inclusion of the Pastef party in the governmental structure.

The announcement of the new administrative team signals the beginning of a fresh chapter for the West African nation, with all eyes on how this power-sharing dynamic will unfold. President Faye, who ascended to office with strong backing from Sonko, has now established an executive body that, while reflecting their shared vision, operates independently of Pastef’s official party presence within the ministerial ranks.

This deliberate composition of the Senegal new government underscores a nuanced political strategy. While Ousmane Sonko assumes the crucial role of Prime Minister, guiding the day-to-day operations of the administration, the absence of Pastef as a formal entity within the cabinet suggests a broader, perhaps more inclusive, approach to governance. This setup aims to foster national unity and address key development challenges facing Senegal, from economic reforms to social justice.

Observers are keen to see how this distinctive cohabitation between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko will navigate the complexities of national leadership. The newly formed administration is tasked with implementing the ambitious agenda promised during their campaign, striving to deliver on the aspirations of the Senegalese people in this new political landscape.