Senegal’s Faye launches a new party, formalising his split with Sonko
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, Kiiraay–The Republican Patriots, marking a formal split from his former ally Ousmane Sonko. This move signals a shift in the country's political landscape as Faye seeks to establish an independent power base.
Why it matters
The rupture between the two leaders who swept to power in 2024 could lead to significant political instability or policy shifts in Senegal.
Months of tensions between president and his onetime ally culminate in a political split that will reshape Senegal’s political landscape.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info The launch of Kiiraay–The Republican Patriots marks President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's bid to build an independent political base [Andre Pain/Pool via AP] By Al Jazeera staff Published On 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026 Dakar, Senegal – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and setting up a struggle for control of the reform movement that swept them to power in 2024.
The creation of Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots on Saturday formalised the collapse of the alliance between Faye and Sonko after months of tensions over the direction of the government and Senegal’s mounting economic challenges.
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