Senegalese opposition backs Diomaye Faye in standoff against Sonko

In Sénégal, the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (PDS) is actively campaigning for a “no” vote regarding the upcoming constitutional referendum. This strategic move marks a significant realignment within the country’s political landscape, as the party historically led by Abdoulaye Wade finds common ground with the current presidency.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently announced that the citizens of Sénégal would have the final say through a popular consultation on a controversial new law. This legislative text, which was pushed through the National Assembly by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, aims to significantly expand the powers of Parliament while placing new restrictions on the head of state.

By urging its supporters to reject these reforms, the PDS is effectively standing alongside Bassirou Diomaye Faye. While this alliance might seem unexpected, a look at the recent history of African politics in the region reveals a complex web of tactical maneuvers.

The evolution of the PDS-Diomaye relationship

The roots of this cooperation trace back to the legislative elections of July 2022, when the PDS joined forces with Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef to challenge the dominance of then-President Macky Sall. This partnership deepened just before the March 2024 presidential election. After Karim Wade was disqualified from running, the PDS threw its weight behind the duo of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This endorsement was crucial in helping Bassirou Diomaye Faye capture a broader segment of the electorate. At the time, the PDS framed this as a defense of democratic principles and a way to defeat the incumbent candidate, Amadou Ba. However, the party also harbored resentment toward Macky Sall’s administration, which they blamed for Karim Wade’s legal troubles and exile.

A partnership born of necessity

Despite their shared electoral victory, a formal governing alliance never materialized. Once Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office, the PDS remained outside the executive branch, maintaining its independence from both Pastef and the presidential coalition.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy, a prominent media figure in Dakar, suggests that the PDS is currently in a phase of political survival. After years of declining influence following their loss of power, the party sees this moment as an opportunity to regain relevance by aligning with the current seat of authority.

This shifting strategy was further evidenced during the late 2024 snap elections, where the PDS surprisingly partnered with Macky Sall’s APR—a party that had been their fiercest rival for over a decade.

Countering Ousmane Sonko’s influence

The growing friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a fresh opening. The party has publicly endorsed the president’s decision to hold a referendum, while simultaneously urging the public to strike down the proposed institutional changes.

In a strongly worded statement, the PDS called on all supporters to “block” the reforms, which they claim are designed solely to serve the personal ambitions of Ousmane Sonko. The party accused Sonko of having an insatiable thirst for power and a disregard for the republican institutions that underpin Senegalese democracy.

This sentiment is echoed across much of the opposition. As Hamadou Tidiane Sy points out, many political actors now view Ousmane Sonko as a polarizing figure who hinders national reconciliation with his radical rhetoric. Even if they do not explicitly join Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s camp, their primary goal is to limit Sonko’s reach.

A circumstantial alignment for Sénégal

The current support for the president appears to be more about opposing a specific agenda than a long-term strategic merger. Many in the opposition and civil society are wary of what they perceive as a power grab aimed at centralizing control within the National Assembly.

This environment of independent African journalism and political scrutiny reveals that the rapprochement is purely circumstantial. It is a temporary measure intended to steer the country back toward the consensus-driven politics that have historically defined Sénégal.

For President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this reconfiguration could be a lifeline. As he faces internal pressure from within Pastef, he is looking to solidify his own base. Analysts suggest that the president is already looking toward a future beyond his current party, focusing on strengthening his “Diomaye Président” coalition. In this context, the support of established groups like the PDS could prove vital as the divide between the head of state and his former mentor becomes increasingly permanent.