Why the Pastef party is crumbling in Senegal

Three ministers, including Yankhoba Diémé, have abandoned the Pastef party to align with President Diomaye Faye’s movement. They describe the former party of Ousmane Sonko as an “empty shell,” marking a decisive shift in Senegal’s political landscape.

From opposition to alliance: a political about-face

Ibrahima Sy, Yankhoba Diémé, and Alioune Dione—once staunch opponents of former President Macky Sall—now stand firmly behind his successor, Diomaye Faye. Their decision reflects a broader trend of realignment within Senegal’s political elite, as they prioritize national unity over partisan loyalty.

Diémé’s blunt assessment: “Pastef is hollow”

Yankhoba Diémé, former deputy coordinator of Pastef in Bignona, did not mince words. “Pastef has nothing left—it’s now an empty shell,” he declared. His remarks underscore the deep fractures within the party, which once rallied supporters of Ousmane Sonko. Meanwhile, Alioune Dione, a former Pastef leader in Diourbel, announced his full commitment to Faye’s movement, stating: “I join my brothers in embracing this party of President Diomaye.”

What this means for Senegal’s political future

The departures signal a critical moment for Pastef, which has lost key figures who once shaped its rise. As these leaders pivot toward the new administration, questions linger about the party’s ability to regroup and regain momentum. Their shift also highlights the evolving priorities of Senegal’s political class, where institutional stability now trumps ideological divides.