Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has inaugurated a new political party, Kiiraay, signaling a definitive split from his former mentor and ex-Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

The launch event took place on July 25, 2026, at the King Fahd Hotel in Dakar, attracting a large crowd of supporters. The name Kiiraay, meaning "protection" or "shield" in Wolof, reflects the party's commitment to values including republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and work. Its slogan is "Republican Patriots."

Faye's relationship with Sonko, leader of the Pan-Africanist Pastef party, deteriorated after both men rose to power in 2024. Initially allies, Sonko was appointed Prime Minister by Faye but was dismissed in May 2026 following policy disagreements, particularly over how to address Senegal's substantial public debt.

Despite the split, Sonko remains a powerful figure as the head of Pastef, which controls the majority of seats in Senegal's National Assembly. He was also appointed Speaker of Parliament by his supporters after his dismissal as Prime Minister.

At the Kiiraay launch, Faye asserted that his new party represents the majority in the country, buoyed by defections from Pastef ranks. The party plans to hold a congress after the summer rainy season to consolidate its structure.

Supporters at the event expressed strong loyalty to Faye and distanced themselves from Sonko. Some analysts believe that the formation of Kiiraay could enable Faye to pursue reforms more effectively without intra-party conflicts.

Background

  • Faye was elected President in 2024 under the Pastef banner, with Sonko as his Prime Minister.
  • The two leaders fell out over governance and economic policies, leading to Sonko's dismissal in May 2026.
  • Senegal's National Assembly passed a bill to reduce presidential powers, including barring the president from leading a party, but this was later overturned by the Constitutional Council.

The emergence of Kiiraay marks a significant realignment in Senegal's political landscape, with President Faye seeking to establish an independent base after years of partnership with Sonko.