Senegal politics: opposition leader slams president as puppet leader

In a sharp rebuke delivered during the inauguration of the Pastef party headquarters in Touba, 194 kilometers east of Dakar, Ousmane Sonko—President of the National Assembly and a leading figure within the ruling coalition—has once again leveled serious allegations against President Diomaye Faye.

The opposition leader did not mince words, describing the head of state as «a puppet and easily manipulable figure», a claim that has now reverberated through political circles across Senegal.

Accusations of manipulation and political naivety

Sonko’s remarks, delivered with palpable frustration, paint a portrait of a president who is dangerously susceptible to external influence. «May God protect us from a timid president», he declared. «This is a catastrophe. He is someone who lets himself be easily manipulated. He falls prey to last-minute political maneuvers. Even the opposition is playing him, convincing him that he controls the defense and security forces and that he can secure a second term».

Once a staunch supporter of President Faye—having endorsed his candidacy during the 2024 presidential election—Sonko now expresses deep regret over his past alliance. «With hindsight, I realize he was secretly building his own party within ours», he stated. Sonko went on to describe how Faye, while serving as Secretary-General and coordinator of party cadres, was allegedly focused on consolidating his own political base under the guise of party leadership.

The National Assembly President’s criticism did not stop there. He accused the President of overestimating his influence after assuming office, believing he could retain the loyalty of senior party members once their paths diverged. «Unfortunately for him, no one followed», Sonko asserted, underscoring the growing rift within the ruling coalition.