President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, Kiiraay (meaning “shield” in Wolof), formalizing his split from former ally Ousmane Sonko. Speaking at a rally in Dakar, Faye described the party as being founded on ethics, transparency, fraternity, and hard work. The move comes after political infighting between Faye and Sonko resulted in Sonko’s dismissal as prime minister. Faye swept to power with the support of Sonko’s Pastef party in 2024. However, their relationship soon soured, with both leaders clashing over key policy issues, including how to address Senegal’s public debt. While several former Pastef officials have joined Faye’s camp, Sonko’s party still commands a parliamentary majority, setting the stage for an increasingly competitive political landscape.
RFI