In Dakar, Léa-Lisa Westerhoff reports on the growing tensions between political factions in Senegal.

The coalition supporting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has strongly condemned what it describes as “scandalous remarks” and “crypto-personal attacks” from Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko. These accusations, deemed “unworthy of his position as National Assembly president”, have sparked outrage within the presidential camp.

During the inauguration of the Pastef party’s headquarters in Touba on Sunday, 12 July 2026, Sonko launched a sharp critique at President Faye. He alleged that the president prioritizes political ambitions over national interests, pointing to Senegal’s “near-unpayable” public debt and the absence of an IMF-backed program. “Senegalese citizens must understand they are not the priority of Diomaye Faye”, Sonko declared before his supporters.

The presidential coalition swiftly responded with a statement rejecting Sonko’s claims. President Faye is “focused on finding solutions to improve the living conditions of our compatriots”, the statement read, before adding a jab at Sonko by accusing him of “constantly favoring confrontation over constructive dialogue”.