Ousmane Sonko, ever the astute politician, recognized early on that the National Assembly would serve as his safest haven until the 2029 presidential elections. This became especially clear after his party, Pastef, secured a landslide victory in the November 2024 parliamentary elections.

Sonko believed that by staying close to Diomaye Faye—initially playing the role of a loyal partner—he could ensure the president did not grow too accustomed to the presidential seat. His strategy mirrored that of a constitutional monarch, accepting a secondary role in exchange for influence. Yet, as Machiavelli warned, power corrupts, and those who help others attain it often find themselves marginalized.

Power dynamics in Senegal’s presidential system

A presidential system like Senegal’s leaves little room for shared authority. The Prime Minister, no matter how influential, remains merely a primus inter pares—first among equals, but still subordinate. Sonko’s discomfort within the government grew over time, culminating in the Supreme Court’s July 1, 2025, decision to uphold his ineligibility for the 2029 elections. This ruling cast a shadow over his political future and left him feeling abandoned by Diomaye Faye, who appeared indifferent to his struggles.

Faced with dwindling institutional avenues, Sonko reverted to his signature political tactics—mobilizing his base and pushing boundaries, even storming the National Assembly. His hold on the legislature, secured by a numerical majority, now shields him from potential legal challenges, much to the dismay of the opposition. Only Diomaye Faye holds the constitutional authority to challenge Sonko’s actions before the Constitutional Council, yet the president has, for now, chosen restraint.

Diomaye Faye’s calculated inaction

Senegal, a nation shaped by historical figures like Lat Dior Diop—who fiercely resisted colonial encroachment in the 19th century—continues to navigate complex political terrain. The current standoff between Diomaye Faye and Sonko is no exception. With the 2029 presidential election looming, both leaders are leveraging their unique strengths: Faye commands the state apparatus, while Sonko wields the unwavering loyalty of his party and a willingness to defy norms.

Their strategies reflect their contrasting approaches. Sonko’s control of the National Assembly provides him with a strategic stronghold, though it remains vulnerable to dissolution or legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, Diomaye Faye, now free of Sonko’s shadow, is focused on economic reforms and securing international financial support, positioning himself for the inevitable clash ahead.