The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has officially launched his new political formation, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes Républicains, marking a new chapter in the country’s evolving political landscape after his split with the Pastef party.
Away from the formalities of an assembly general meeting held at a hotel on Saturday, July 25th in Dakar, KIIRAAY adopted the slogan ‘La Patrie d’abord’, emphasizing its focus on national interest defense, strengthening republican institutions, and consolidating the state of law.
In Wolof, ‘Kiiraay’ translates to ‘that which protects’, a choice made by the party founders as a symbol for their new political entity aimed at supporting the president’s governance project and unifying forces in favor of his vision of transforming Senegal.
Following the assembly meeting, all delegates unanimously elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the party’s head, marking a shift in his political stance after leaving Pastef leadership roles early on in his presidency.
A resolution read by Aminata Touré, General Supervisor of the former coalition Diomaye President, stated that KIIRAAY was formed through the merger of 437 parties, movements, and associations united around a common project to support reforms initiated by the president and the country’s development ambitions.
Internationally viewed with interest beyond its political scope, the emergence of this new formation is closely monitored by international partners, investors, and development actors in a context where Senegal continues to implement its Vision Sénégal 2050 strategy. Stability and government clarity remain key factors in boosting market confidence, attracting investments, and solidifying international partnerships.
The launch of KIIRAAY marks the beginning of a new phase in Senegalese politics, which could redefine the balance within the presidential majority and opposition ahead of upcoming elections, as well as influence the framework for future economic and institutional reforms in the country.