Tensions appear to be simmering within Senegal’s ruling coalition, as several local media outlets report pointed criticisms from Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko directed at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The public remarks come amid growing speculation about internal disagreements following the coalition's hard-won election victory, which had been hailed as a new democratic chapter for the West African nation.
Speaking at a ruling coalition meeting on Thursday, July 10, Sonko — who also leads the Pastef party — publicly voiced his disagreement with President Faye, signaling possible fractures at the highest levels of government.
“What is happening is neither good nor elegant,” Sonko declared, in comments widely shared by local press.
According to Dakar Actu, alocal news website, Sonko referred to a founding pact between himself, President Faye, and National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye — a pact reportedly formed during a confidential meeting at Camp Manuel.
“What we said to each other, only God is witness,” Sonko said, underscoring the private and trust-based nature of the agreement.
The Prime Minister appeared to condemn efforts allegedly underway to recruit supporters for the 2029 elections — a move he suggested was premature and politically self-serving. “They’re going to Touba and elsewhere to recruit militants for 2029. Why 2029?” he asked rhetorically, without naming specific individuals.
To underscore the seriousness of his concerns, Sonko mentioned El Malick Ndiaye by name as a witness to their original agreement. “I called a witness in the person of El Malick Ndiaye... I told him: we agreed on these terms. And he said yes!”
Facing a public closely watching every political maneuver, Sonko maintained that he operates with transparency: “Everything I do in life, I do with clarity,” he said, dismissing any notion of behind-the-scenes scheming.
In a notably candid tone, the Prime Minister admitted he had long tolerated the current situation, but had recently sought direct intervention from the President: “I took it in my stride for a long time. I went to see President Diomaye Faye, because he can stop what’s going on at any time. Why he hasn’t done so is another matter.”
Sonko’s comments suggest frustration over what he perceives as a lack of support from the Head of State. “The day he thinks that I can no longer be his Prime Minister and decides to release me, I will take my responsibilities and return to my seat in the National Assembly,” he said.
Far from retreating, Sonko reaffirmed his position and influence in government: “I am theoretically the leader of the parliamentary majority, I am the head of government, and no one is more capable than me. I'm not going anywhere.”
It remains to be seen whether these public disagreements mark a temporary rift — or the early signs of deeper political realignment.
Some analysists, have said that the situation could escalate if the president replies to Sonko’s comments publicly.
