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 no members of his party would be included in the government.

This move formally seals the political rupture between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, confirming the end of their once-close partnership.

Across Senegal’s universities, students remain divided over the abrupt breakdown of the alliance that once symbolized hope for transformative change. At the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, many young voters still struggle to accept the collapse of the tandem that once defined their political aspirations.

Disillusionment grips young supporters of the former alliance

Under the shade of large trees on the Letters Faculty campus, student Amath Segnane continues his exam preparations. Like thousands of his peers, he once placed unwavering faith in the partnership between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

The 21-year-old voices his disappointment openly. “They sold us a dream of unity. We believed they trusted each other and would work side by side to rebuild this nation. Now, seeing them part ways feels like a betrayal of everything we stood for.”

For Segnane, the rift challenges the very narrative of solidarity that fueled their historic rise to power.

Some argue the split was inevitable

Moments before entering his economics lecture hall, student Mamadou Bah shares a contrasting perspective. He believes the rupture was long overdue.

Bah points to visible tensions that had festered between the two leaders for months. “The former prime minister repeatedly overstepped presidential authority. He acted as if the office no longer answered to anyone. His removal—and the collapse of their alliance—should not come as a surprise. I support the president’s decision.”

While disappointed by the turn of events, Bah maintains that President Faye was justified in reclaiming executive control.

Uncertainty lingers over political future

Not all students have accepted the finality of the split. Omar Sarr, an Arabic studies major, clings to hope for reconciliation.

Sarr emphasizes their shared history: “Without Sonko, Diomaye would never have risen to power. They fought side by side for years, leading to victory in the presidential election. Today, opinions are split—some defend the president, others stand by Sonko. I refuse to believe this is permanent. I cannot accept it.”

The president now governs without the backing of the majority party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, while Ousmane Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, has joined the opposition. This new political landscape fuels ongoing debate across Senegalese society.