The rift deepens in Senegal; President Faye's coalition intends to establish a new party.

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

In a move that reflects the widening rift within Authority In Senegal, a coalition supporting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced its intention to establish a new political party, a development seen as a clear indication of the continued division between the president and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

The coalition stated in a recently issued statement that President Faye tasked his senior advisor, Aminata Touré, with forming a working group to lay the necessary groundwork for the establishment of the new party, a move that could reshape the country's political landscape.

Continued tension between Fay and Sonku

The development comes months after tensions between Faye and Sonko, who came to power with joint support through the «Pastef» party. The president dismissed Sonko from the prime ministership last May, and the latter moved to the presidency of the National Assembly, opening the door to a new phase of political competition between the two sides.

And during the recent period, Sönke led efforts within parliament to pass constitutional amendments, including preventing the president from holding the leadership of any political party while in office.

Despite parliament approving these amendments last week, President Faye decided to refer them to a popular referendum, without announcing a date for its execution yet.

Growing economic challenges

These political developments come at a time when Senegal is facing increasing economic challenges, against the backdrop of a financial crisis resulting from the disclosure of undisclosed debts during the previous government's tenure, which has cast a shadow over the country's economic situation.

Observers believe that the current moves represent an early start to preparations for the local elections scheduled for 2027, which are expected to be a real test of the popularity of both President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his political rival Ousmane Sonko, and their ability to mobilize support throughout Senegal.