In a historic move that reshapes Senegal’s political landscape, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, on a Saturday in Dakar. The launch signifies a decisive break from his former mentor and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, marking the end of their political alliance that once propelled them to power.
The party’s name, Kiiraay, translates to ‘protection’ or ‘shield’ in Wolof, symbolizing its mission to safeguard the nation’s interests. Born from the transformation of the Diomaye Président coalition—credited with securing Faye’s victory in the 2024 presidential election—the new formation positions itself as the dominant political force in the country.
Addressing a crowd of hundreds of supporters, the Head of State outlined Kiiraay’s core principles: ‘Republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and hard work.’ With the rallying cry ‘La Patrie d’abord’—‘The Fatherland First’—he emphasized the party’s commitment to uniting the nation under a shared vision of progress and accountability.
The birth of Kiiraay follows months of escalating tensions between Faye and Sonko, who had jointly led the PASTEF movement to victory. Disputes over debt management and institutional reforms culminated in Sonko’s removal from office in May. Despite his ousting, Sonko retains his roles as Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of PASTEF, which holds a parliamentary majority—setting the stage for intensified political rivalry at the highest levels of government.
