Senegal’s new cabinet excludes Pastef after Faye and Sonko fail to agree

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled a fresh ministerial lineup this Monday, June 1, notably excluding members of his own political movement, Pastef. This decision follows a breakdown in negotiations with the party’s leader and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, who cited fundamental differences regarding the composition of the new executive team.

The reveal comes nearly two weeks after Sonko was dismissed from his role as Prime Minister. While Sonko has since taken the helm of the National Assembly, the rift between the two leaders has deepened, plunging the nation into a period of political ambiguity amidst an ongoing financial squeeze. This tension marks a significant shift in the relationship between the longtime allies.

Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who stepped into the vacancy left by Sonko, presented a list comprising 30 ministers. Conspicuously absent are the high-ranking Pastef officials who previously held key positions in the administration, signaling a total restructuring of the government’s core.

Just before the official announcement, the leader of Pastef clarified through his social media channels that his party would not be participating in the new administration. He detailed a lengthy discussion with President Faye where, despite some shared ground, critical disagreements emerged regarding the executive’s structure and the specific role the parliamentary majority should play in the cabinet.

Internal party communications indicate that Pastef proposed alternative arrangements to the President, which were ultimately rejected. As a result, the party leadership confirmed that PASTEF – Les Patriotes will have no representation in the incoming government, with no ministers appointed from their ranks.

This political reshuffle is happening against a backdrop of severe economic strain in Sénégal. The discovery of hidden debt from the previous administration has pushed the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio to a staggering 132% as of late 2024. Consequently, the International Monetary Fund has halted a $1.8 billion credit facility. Financial officials are expected to restart negotiations with the IMF next week, aiming for a resolution on key fiscal points by the end of June.