President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Sénégal officially appointed a new government on Monday, which notably includes several members and allies from Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party. This development unfolds despite Sonko’s prior announcement that his political organization would not participate in the new administration.

The unveiling of this new cabinet follows approximately ten days after President Faye, himself a former member of Pastef, dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his role. Sonko has since ascended to the position of President of the National Assembly.

The two prominent political figures have experienced a significant estrangement after months of mounting tensions, ushering in a period of political uncertainty for Sénégal, a nation already grappling with a severe financial crisis.

Sonko’s former position has now been filled by Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who on Monday presented a list of 30 ministers. This new roster notably excludes several high-ranking Pastef officials who were part of the outgoing government.

Moments before the government’s composition was made public, the leader of Pastef had communicated via his social media channels that his party would not be joining the new administration.

“Disagreement”

“A lengthy discussion took place this morning between the President of the Republic and myself, as party President. While areas of agreement were confirmed, crucial points of disagreement also emerged, particularly concerning the role and position of the majority within the executive framework,” the statement detailed.

The communiqué further explained, “Following a debriefing meeting with party leadership, new proposals were submitted to the President of the Republic, which did not receive a favorable response.” It concluded, “Consequently, PASTEF – Les Patriotes will not participate in the upcoming government and will not have any ministerial representation.”

Despite Pastef’s official boycott, some lesser-known allies and members of the party have found their names on the new government list. These include Moussa Bala Fofana, who will serve as Minister of Urbanism, and Yankhoba Diémé, appointed to the portfolio of Armed Forces.

President Faye also chose to retain several ministers from the previous administration, such as Cheikh Diba in Finance, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy for Education, and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye overseeing Sanitation.

Prime Minister Amadou Al Aminou Lô affirmed that the new government’s composition was finalized after “the customary consultations with all relevant individuals,” including Pastef party leader Ousmane Sonko.

“The President of the Republic wishes to reiterate that, under all circumstances, a statesman must ensure that the nation and the Republic always take precedence over all partisan considerations,” Lô added during the live broadcast of the list on the national public channel, RTS.

New political juncture

This development marks a significant new political juncture following the split between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. The two had been long-standing political allies, securing victory in the March 2024 presidential election under the popular slogan “Sonko mooy Diomaye” (Sonko is Diomaye in Wolof).

However, noticeable divergences between the two men became apparent over several months, ultimately leading to their inevitable separation after Ousmane Sonko’s dismissal in late May. Sonko, the undisputed leader of their party and now holding a strong majority in the National Assembly, has since been comfortably elected as its President.

Originally barred from running for president due to a defamation conviction, Ousmane Sonko had designated his close associate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to run in his stead. Despite their shared political journey, differing viewpoints began to emerge.

Tensions first surfaced in July 2025 when the then-Prime Minister, Sonko, sharply criticized President Faye, decrying a “problem of authority” within the country. By early May, the President had publicly expressed his disapproval of his former Prime Minister’s “excessive personalization” within the ruling party.