Senegal opposition sides with Diomaye against Sonko’s reforms

In a significant shift within the political landscape of Sénégal, the Parti démocratique sénégalais (PDS) has officially called for a “no” vote in the upcoming referendum regarding constitutional revisions. This move marks a clear alignment with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who recently announced a public consultation to let the citizens decide on a controversial law that has sparked intense debate across the nation.

The proposed legislative text, which was recently passed by the National Assembly, was introduced by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party. It seeks to significantly increase the powers of Parliament while placing new restrictions on the authority of the Head of State. By joining the president’s camp and urging its supporters to reject these changes, the party founded by Abdoulaye Wade is making a strategic calculation that, while appearing sudden, has deep roots in recent political history.

The evolution of the PDS-Diomaye connection

The relationship between these political forces has fluctuated over the years. During the July 2022 legislative elections, the PDS partnered with Pastef to challenge the dominance of then-President Macky Sall. By the time the March 2024 presidential election arrived, the PDS took its support a step further by endorsing the Ousmane Sonko–Bassirou Diomaye Faye ticket. This occurred after Karim Wade, the party’s primary candidate, was disqualified from the race.

This alliance was instrumental in helping Bassirou Diomaye Faye secure a broader electoral base. At the time, the PDS framed this as a defense of the rule of law and a necessity to defeat Amadou Ba. However, internal motivations were also at play, as the party blamed Macky Sall’s administration for Karim Wade’s exclusion. Having faced imprisonment and exile, Karim Wade hoped to maintain a foothold in the nation’s future governance.

A relationship defined by political pragmatism

Despite their past cooperation, a permanent alliance never materialized. Once Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office, the PDS did not join the government, choosing instead to remain independent from both Pastef and the presidential coalition. Observers in Dakar note that this proximity was always more about political survival than shared ideology.

The PDS appears to be seeking a way to regain its standing after a period of declining influence following its loss of power years ago. By moving closer to the current presidency, the party aims to remain relevant. This strategy became even more evident during the late 2024 snap legislative elections when the PDS surprisingly allied with Macky Sall’s APR, their former rival.

Countering the influence of Ousmane Sonko

The growing friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a new opening. The party has backed the president’s decision to use a referendum for institutional changes while simultaneously urging the public to reject the content of those reforms.

In a strongly worded statement, the PDS called on its members and the wider Sénégal population to block these initiatives. The party argued that the proposed revisions are driven by Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and represent a threat to the republican institutions that safeguard the country’s democracy. This sentiment is shared by much of the opposition, who see Sonko as a radical figure whose rhetoric is increasingly alienating other political actors.

A temporary alignment for a specific goal

While the PDS is currently siding with Bassirou Diomaye Faye on this issue, it does not necessarily signal a long-term strategic partnership. Many who oppose the institutional reforms are doing so to prevent what they perceive as a power grab by the legislative branch, rather than out of direct loyalty to the president.

However, this situation could work in favor of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As he faces internal pressure from sections of Pastef, the president is looking to solidify his own political foundation. There are indications that he is prioritizing his “Diomaye President” coalition as he looks toward the future. For many within Pastef, the rift is already deep, with some even viewing the president’s current path as a departure from the party’s original mission.