Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye establishes new political party, Kiiraay

The announcement was made on his Facebook page on Sunday, July 26, 2026, several months after he became president. This move comes amid political disagreements with his former associate and Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. The formation of Kiiraay reflects President Faye's desire for a clearly defined organizational framework to support his actions and implement his intended reforms.

It also emerges as discussions continue regarding the future of the ruling coalition, given ongoing reports about relations among its various components. Since his election in March 2024, President Faye has committed to promoting governance based on transparency, accountability, economic sovereignty, and the fight against corruption. These commitments were central to his presidential campaign and form the core of his government program.

However, in recent months, President Faye has had differences with Ousmane Sonko, who, after being replaced as Prime Minister, indicated that Faye had deviated from their shared objectives prior to his presidency. The creation of Kiiraay also occurs at a time when Senegalese citizens have high expectations regarding purchasing power, youth employment, cost of living, institutional reform, and natural resource management. Many citizens prioritize economic and social challenges over partisan considerations.

Kiiraay aims to build a