The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has taken a decisive step by announcing the formation of a new political party aimed at uniting all forces backing his administration. The announcement followed a four-hour meeting with 306 mayors from the country’s fourteen regions, all of whom are members of the Coalition Diomaye Président. According to the coalition’s official statement, this initiative seeks to formalize the President’s political support and reinforce his base during a period of shifting power dynamics within the government.
To implement this plan, President Faye has tasked Aminata Touré, the coalition’s general supervisor, with establishing a dedicated committee. This team will be responsible for developing the organizational and statutory foundations of the new party in the coming weeks.
The coalition’s statement emphasizes that this move represents a logical progression in their commitment, highlighting the need for a unified structure centered around the President. This approach is seen as essential for preparing upcoming electoral challenges and ensuring cohesion within the political movement.
During the gathering, local elected officials reaffirmed their unwavering support for the President’s agenda. They particularly praised his commitment to promoting territorial equity by prioritizing local governance in national policies.
This political restructuring unfolds against a backdrop of significant tension between President Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, who stepped down as Prime Minister in May 2026, now serves as the President of the National Assembly, where he continues to wield considerable influence thanks to his parliamentary majority.
Their disagreements have intensified following the adoption of a constitutional reform by lawmakers on June 29. The reform includes provisions such as prohibiting the President from leading a political party, converting the Constitutional Council into a Constitutional Court, and enhancing Parliament’s powers.
The dispute between the two leaders now centers on the finalization of this reform. While Ousmane Sonko advocates for direct promulgation by the President, citing legal precedent, Bassirou Diomaye Faye insists on holding a referendum—though its date remains undecided—to allow direct citizen participation.