Ousmane Sonko questions President Faye’s leadership at Senegal event
During the inauguration of the Pastef party headquarters in Touba—nearly 200 kilometers east of Dakar—Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, took the opportunity to sharply condemn President Diomaye Faye’s leadership style. Speaking to supporters, Sonko described the head of state as “a puppet easily swayed by external influences,” sparking immediate debate about governance in the country.
The criticism came as Sonko reflected on his evolving relationship with the president, whom he had previously endorsed in the 2024 presidential election. “With hindsight, I now see he was working behind the scenes to build his own political structure within the ruling party,” Sonko stated. He accused the president of attempting to consolidate power by strategically positioning allies in key roles, including during Faye’s tenure as Secretary-General and coordinator of party cadres.
Sonko’s remarks further alleged that the president believed he could reclaim control over party members after their political separation. “He assumed he could simply take the majority with him when he left,” Sonko explained. “But the reality is, no one followed.”
His comments underscore growing tensions within Senegal’s political landscape, as critics question the president’s decision-making and independence from external pressures. The statement has reignited discussions about governance, accountability, and the influence of political maneuvering in Senegal’s highest offices.
