Pastef responds to defections and mockery following the launch of Kiiraay, the president's new party
via SeneNews3 min read
Following the launch of Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains on July 25 in Dakar, Pastef is responding to defections and criticism. The party, led by Ousmane Sonko, president of the National Assembly, faces a new reality as the head of state now has his own party, and several Pastef members have joined it. Pastef is downplaying these departures, with the newspaper Yoor Yoor reporting "a few dozen resignations of personalities" while highlighting a "tidal wave" of new Pastef members. Pastef maintains a significant advantage in the National Assembly, controlling 130 out of 165 seats, which remains intact despite Kiiraay's creation. The name "Kiiraay" itself has become a point of contention. While Bassirou Diomaye Faye claims it means "protection" or "shield" in Wolof, other sources suggest it means "what is hidden or concealed," leading to mockery from Sonko's allies. The creation of Kiiraay also forces ministers close to Sonko to choose between joining the new presidential structure or remaining loyal to Pastef. This decision will indicate the power balance between the two executive leaders. Kiiraay plans a national tour and a congress after the rainy season. This political realignment creates three blocs: Kiiraay, Pastef, and Macky Sall's APR, potentially leading to early legislative elections.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Dakar, which also covers Gambia, Mauritania, and Cape Verde, has announced a general increase in visa and residency card fees, effective August 1, 2026. This revision follows a circular note from the Guinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad, dated July 9. The new tariffs include an entry visa at $100, a transit visa at $50, a transshipment visa at $50, an extension visa at $100, and a long-stay visa at $500. Residency cards for African nationals outside ECOWAS will cost $200, while those for resident foreigners and workers will be $500. The embassy clarified that biometric passport fees remain unchanged. All applications for an entry visa to the Republic of Guinea must be submitted through the official electronic platform, paf.gov.gn/visa, as visas are no longer issued directly on passports.
Amadou Ba, a Pastef deputy, has openly criticized the government's management and its adherence to electoral deadlines, citing what he perceives as economic and political threats to Senegal. Ba's remarks follow a statement by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, interpreted by many as a jab at Ousmane Sonko, which Ba has now turned back on the President. Ba identified two main threats to Senegal's stability and good governance. The first, termed "economic fitna," involves entrusting public management to individuals previously accused of economic predation, while simultaneously blocking accountability for beneficiaries of hidden debt in favor of political opportunism. The second, labeled "political fitna," refers to subordinating the constitutional electoral calendar to calculations favoring a single political party, attempting to eliminate opponents by labeling them as violent, and imposing reconciliation without justice or reparations on victims of political repression, a practice he likens to the former regime.
Nicolas Jackson is not included in Chelsea's 28-player squad, with Xabi Alonso opting for João Pedro, Liam Delap, and young talents like Ryan Kavuma-McQueen for the offensive sector. This absence fuels speculation about the Senegalese forward's future, as The Athletic and TEAMtalk report Aston Villa has made Jackson a top recruitment priority this summer. Aston Villa's interest is largely attributed to manager Unai Emery, who previously coached Jackson at Villarreal and seeks to reunite with him to strengthen his offensive line alongside Ollie Watkins. English press indicates Jackson is open to the transfer, seeking more regular playing time, as he is now third in Chelsea's offensive hierarchy behind João Pedro and Liam Delap. Chelsea has reportedly set an asking price of around 65 million pounds for the 25-year-old forward, more than double the 32 million pounds paid to Villarreal in 2023. Jackson was on loan at Bayern Munich last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists in 34 appearances, but the Bavarian club did not exercise its mandatory purchase option. This potential transfer follows other deals between the two clubs this summer, including Morgan Rogers' record sale to Chelsea for 117 million pounds and Alejandro Garnacho's loan to Aston Villa with a conditional purchase option. While no definitive agreement has been reached, Jackson's exclusion from the squad may signal Chelsea's preparation for his departure to the Midlands.