Ousmane Sonko clarifies Bassirou Diomaye Faye's 2024 presidential candidacy was not a designation
via SeneNews1 min read
Ousmane Sonko, leader of Pastef, has clarified the circumstances surrounding Bassirou Diomaye Faye's candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, stating it was not a designation. Sonko explained that he could not be a candidate himself, and it was imperative for Pastef to participate in the election, especially given his incarceration and the party's dissolution. He emphasized that the choice was a necessity rather than a pre-planned strategy. This statement contrasts with the long-held public narrative that Faye's candidacy was a carefully considered decision in anticipation of Sonko's potential inability to run. Sonko's clarification emerges amidst reports of a growing distance between the two men since Faye's ascension to power, potentially serving to reassert Sonko's role in Faye's path to the presidency.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Uganda has officially nominated former diplomat Olara Otunnu as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, joining former Senegalese President Macky Sall in the race to succeed António Guterres. This nomination, announced in a joint letter dated July 25, 2026, to UN member states, follows Macky Sall's recent hearing before the General Assembly. Madiambal Diagne, a journalist and close associate of the former Senegalese head of state, criticized Uganda's move, calling it a "dirty trick" that has caused dismay in African diplomatic circles. Diagne expressed his disappointment, stating that "Africa is tearing itself apart" despite what he described as Macky Sall's strong performance during the candidates' oral presentations. Olara Otunnu brings extensive diplomatic experience, having served as Uganda's Permanent Representative to the UN, Assistant Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also chaired the International Peace Academy, now the International Peace Institute. His candidacy highlights his experience, political acumen, and ability to build consensus. Otunnu's entry brings the total number of declared candidates to seven, including Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, and Rebeca Grynspan. The informal rotation of the Secretary-General position among global regions traditionally favors a Latin American or Caribbean candidate this time, potentially complicating the prospects for both African candidates. The Security Council is schedul
Must ReadUganda has put forward a new candidate for the UN Secretary-General position, a development that follows former Senegalese President Macky Sall's recent presentation to the General Assembly. Sall, who was the sole African candidate until now, spoke for 90 minutes on July 23, advocating for a UN focused on dialogue, listening, and consultation, drawing on nearly 40 years of public affairs experience. His candidacy had already generated controversy as it was presented by Burundi, then chair of the African Union, rather than by Senegal, which had not officially supported its former president. The selection process, which began in late November 2025, involves consultations among member states before the Security Council recommends a name to the General Assembly, which will ultimately appoint the successor to António Guterres later this year.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye confirmed the official launch of his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains, following its constitutive general assembly at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. The President announced the party's formation on social media, explaining that "Kiiraay" in Wolof means "that which protects." This meaning is reflected in the party's logo, which features an umbrella protecting a map of Senegal. President Faye stated that the party was founded to serve the Republic, described as the home for all citizens, and is open to all republicans without distinction. He concluded his message with the party's slogan: "La Patrie d’abord!" This announcement marks the transformation of the "Diomaye Président" coalition into a structured political party, with the President himself presiding over the event.