On monday, Senegal’s newly appointed prime minister unveiled the cabinet lineup. Hours earlier, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party, declared that none of its members would be included.

This move formalizes the political rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, underscoring the collapse of a once-united front.

The split has left many Senegalese students bewildered and disheartened. At the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, young supporters struggle to accept the end of the partnership that once symbolized hope for change.

Deep disappointment among the duo’s supporters

Under the shade of trees near the Faculty of Arts, Amath Segnane reviews his notes. Like many young voters, he once pinned his aspirations on the alliance between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

The student voices his disillusionment openly. “They sold us the idea that Diomaye and Sonko were inseparable. They made us believe they trusted each other and would work side by side to rebuild this nation. But if today they’ve reached this breaking point, it’s naturally crushing.”

For him, the separation undermines the image of unity that once defined their political rise.

Some see the breakup as inevitable

Moments before his economics lecture, student Mamadou Bah reflects on the situation. He believes the rupture was foreseeable.

“For a long time, the former prime minister disregarded authority. He acted as if he stood above the president. That’s why his removal—and the split—didn’t surprise me. I fully support the president’s decision,” he states.

Though disappointed by recent events, he acknowledges the head of state’s legitimacy in reclaiming control of the executive branch.

Skepticism and questions about what comes next

Not everyone accepts the idea of a permanent split. Omar Sarr, an Arabic student, still hopes for reconciliation between the two former allies.

“Without Sonko, Diomaye would never have risen to power. They worked together for years, ultimately winning the presidency. Now, opinions are split: some side with Diomaye, others with Sonko. I refuse to believe this is a divorce—I simply can’t accept it,” he insists.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye now governs without the backing of the majority party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, while Ousmane Sonko, now Assembly president, has joined the opposition. This new political landscape continues to fuel debates and uncertainties across Senegalese society.