Senegal president unveils new party

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially launched a new political party, Kiiraay, a Wolof word signifying "protection" or "shield." This significant political maneuver comes in the wake of a public and acrimonious split with his former mentor and ex-prime minister, Ousmane Sonko. Both Faye and Sonko were prominent figures in the Pan-Africanist party Pastef, which propelled Faye to the presidency in 2024.

Faye initially appointed Sonko as prime minister upon taking office, signaling a strong alliance. However, their relationship deteriorated, culminating in Sonko's dismissal from the prime minister's post in May. The launch of Kiiraay, held during a packed assembly of supporters in Dakar, underscores the deepening rift between the two leaders. Supporters at the event, some of whom could not fit inside the venue, displayed signs and wore scarves proclaiming "Vive Diomaye."

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Kiiraay is the majority party in this country.

During the launch, Faye articulated the new party's slogan, "Republican Patriots," and stated its foundation rests upon "republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity and work." He suggested that the creation of Kiiraay was a necessary step to implement the changes promised during his campaign, which he felt were previously unattainable due to discord within his former party structure. "After two years in power, we realize that the requested changes were simply not possible under the current setup of his party," explained Ibra Faye, an economist and financial engineer from Dakar.

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He could not implement the policies or actions he wanted to pursue.

Sonko had garnered a substantial following among young Senegalese through his Pan-Africanist rhetoric and a platform focused on economic transformation, social justice, and anti-corruption efforts. He and Faye campaigned together on a promise of change, challenging the long-standing rule of former president Macky Sall. However, the breakdown of their partnership has created divisions, even among Faye's supporters. Mamo Khady Sall, a 43-year-old supporter, described Faye as a "man of peace" but expressed intense dislike for Sonko, refusing to even utter his name.

Faye declared Kiiraay to be "the majority party in this country," citing the defection of several Pastef officials and activists to his new camp. While Kiiraay has yet to demonstrate its electoral strength, the presidential communication team has announced plans for a formal congress following the country's rainy season. The emergence of Kiiraay signifies a new chapter in Senegalese politics, shaped by the fallout between two once-allied leaders and the president's bid to consolidate power and pursue his agenda independently.

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Republican Patriots