Senegal's President launches new political party, deepening rift with former Prime Minister
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched his own political party, Kiray or Republican Patriots, on Saturday, a move that solidifies his growing separation from his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, who leads the ruling Pastef party. Both men came to power in 2024 and are anticipated to compete in the 2029 presidential election. Leading up to the launch, several Pastef officials and members of the opposition Alliance for The Republic joined Faye's new party. The alliance between Faye and Sonko deteriorated over disagreements on key policy decisions, including negotiations with the International Monetary Fund regarding a loan program amidst Senegal鈥檚 debt crisis. Earlier this year, Faye dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister, though Sonko's party maintained its parliamentary majority, and he was subsequently elected president of the National Assembly. A new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, was appointed in May, and the Cabinet was formed without Pastef ministers after Sonko stated his party would not participate in the government. In 2024, Faye and Sonko campaigned on promises to create jobs, combat corruption, and secure a larger share of revenue from Senegal's natural resources. However, the country's debt burden has increased since they took office, following the discovery that the previous administration had underreported billions in borrowing. The establishment of Faye鈥檚 new party sets the stage for a political rivalry between the former allies, expected to influence l
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