Senegal opposition sides with Diomaye Faye to block Ousmane Sonko

In Sénégal, the Parti démocratique sénégalais (PDS) has officially called for a “no” vote regarding the proposed constitutional overhaul. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently announced a national referendum, allowing the public to decide the fate of a law that has become a flashpoint in the country’s political landscape.

The controversial text, which was passed by a majority in the National Assembly, was originally proposed by Ousmane Sonko and his Pastef party. The reform aims to significantly increase parliamentary authority while placing new restrictions on the powers of the head of state.

By rallying behind the President’s decision to hold a vote, the PDS is urging its supporters to reject the changes. This alignment with Bassirou Diomaye Faye from Abdoulaye Wade’s party marks a significant shift, though it follows a complex history of tactical cooperation.

A history of evolving alliances since 2022

The relationship between these political forces dates back to the July 2022 legislative elections, when the PDS collaborated with Pastef to challenge the then-incumbent Macky Sall. This cooperation deepened just before the March 2024 presidential election. After Karim Wade was disqualified from the race, the PDS leadership decided to throw their weight behind the Ousmane Sonko–Bassirou Diomaye Faye ticket.

This endorsement was a critical factor in expanding the electoral reach of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, leading to his eventual victory. At the time, the PDS framed this move as a defense of democratic principles and a way to defeat the ruling party’s candidate, Amadou Ba. However, there was also a clear sense of grievance; the party felt Macky Sall’s administration had intentionally sidelined Karim Wade, who remained in exile hoping to maintain political relevance.

Proximity without formal partnership

Despite their shared victory, the PDS did not join the new administration. The party chose to maintain its independence, staying outside both Pastef and the broader presidential coalition. According to local political observers, this connection was always more about political strategy than shared ideology.

The PDS appears to be attempting to regain its footing after a period of declining influence following its loss of power years ago. By moving closer to the current executive branch now, they may be seeking a way to remain relevant in the national conversation. Interestingly, during the late 2024 legislative elections, the PDS even briefly allied with Macky Sall’s APR, showing how fluid these political loyalties have become.

The strategy to counter Ousmane Sonko

The growing friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a fresh opening. The party has voiced support for the President’s referendum while simultaneously campaigning for the public to vote against the proposed institutional changes.

In a formal statement, the PDS called on its members and the wider Sénégalese public to mobilize against the reforms. The party argued that these constitutional revisions are designed solely to serve the personal ambitions of Ousmane Sonko, claiming they reflect a desire for unchecked power and a disregard for established republican institutions.

This sentiment is echoed across much of the opposition. Many political actors now view the Prime Minister as a radical figure who hinders national reconciliation. While they may not be joining the President’s camp permanently, their rejection of the law is a clear signal of opposition to Sonko’s specific political vision.

A marriage of convenience for Diomaye Faye

This situational support from the opposition could be a boon for Bassirou Diomaye Faye as he navigates internal pressures within his own movement. As some elements of Pastef become more critical of the President, he may look to solidify his own base, potentially relying on established groups like the PDS in the future.

There are growing signs that the President is preparing for a political future that may not involve a unified front with Pastef. He appears to be focusing on strengthening his “Diomaye Président” coalition. Meanwhile, some within the Pastef ranks have already begun using the language of betrayal to describe the current rift, suggesting that the split between the President and the Prime Minister may be permanent.

For now, the opposition’s stance remains transactional. They aren’t necessarily endorsing the President’s entire agenda, but they are using this moment to try and steer Sénégal back toward a path of consensus and dialogue that has historically defined its democracy.