A Test of Trust: The Political Relationship Between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko
A Test of Trust: The Political Relationship Between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko
Testing Trust in the Political Relationship Between Allies President Faye and His Prime Minister Sonko
Abstract
The political arena in Senegal is witnessing an escalating, undeclared tension between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, threatening to dismantle the ruling coalition. Disagreements range from divergent political visions and state management prerogatives to sensitive issues such as the judiciary, appointments, and upcoming elections. Mutual statements and rigid stances indicate that the crisis is no longer tactical but structural. Despite containment attempts, indicators reveal fragile trust between the two parties, potentially leading to repercussions on political stability, the economic climate, and the confidence of international partners.
Key Recommendations
Enhance institutional dialogue to demarcate the boundaries of authority.
Activate internal mediation mechanisms to resolve disputes.
Avoid media escalation to maintain stability.
Focus on economic priorities to restore citizen and investor confidence.
Protect democratic gains by respecting the independence of the judiciary and civil society.
The stability of Senegal, as a democratic power in West Africa, depends today on the wisdom of its leadership and its ability to manage differences within the constitutional framework.
Senegal has recently witnessed an escalation in political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, the leader of the ruling “PASTEF” party. These disagreements began as a divergence in visions but rapidly evolved—within a short period—into a crisis that nearly threatened the stability of the ruling coalition and weakened confidence in government performance, fueled by strong statements and opposing stances.
Against the backdrop of these events, a real test emerged regarding the solidity of trust between the two partners in power, following years of successful cooperation in the opposition ranks. The roots of the dispute stem from the challenges imposed by the joint management of governance, which has affected their level of trust and led to the emergence of multifaceted tensions. Nevertheless, both parties have made efforts to contain the crisis and restore order in an attempt to maintain stability.
This article aims to assess the nature of the early signs of political disagreement between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, evaluate its impact on the level of trust between the allies, and examine the ensuing repercussions. It will also highlight the underlying factors behind the escalation of the dispute, its most prominent manifestations, containment attempts, potential consequences, and provide practical recommendations to enhance institutional dialogue and protect democratic gains, thereby avoiding the collapse of the political partnership that brought them to power.
The Concept of Testing Trust in Political Relationships
Political trust faces numerous challenges in the context of a governance partnership between two leaders. Studies show that political trust is a crucial element for the stability of coalitions, yet it can be shaken by differing visions or power distribution [1]. In the case of Senegal, the disagreement transformed from a mere policy divergence into a crisis that threatened the cohesion of the ruling coalition, confirming that a lack of trust between leaders weakens government performance and threatens political legitimacy.
Research also indicates that political awareness plays a role in the level of trust, although the relationship between them may be weaker than assumed [2]. In the Senegalese context, it appears that shared experience in the opposition did not prevent the fracturing of trust upon transitioning to governance. This supports the idea that the gap between partners can widen over time under the pressures of ruling. Despite attempts to contain the crisis, this case continues to illustrate how political trust is tested in coalition systems and how leadership dynamics affect their stability.
Early Signs of Disagreement Between President Faye and His Prime Minister Before Escalation
Political parties and interest groups are influential forces in policymaking, but their impact is not permanent; it is heavily tied to their interaction with public opinion and electoral campaign demands [3]. Politician Ousmane Sonko—who was barred from running in the 2024 presidential elections—recognized this fact and worked to solidify his political presence by maintaining his popular base through continuous mobilization.
This approach helped turn the votes supporting him into a pressure group, enabling him to play influential political roles in public opinion, which triggered various forms of disagreements manifested in sharp statements and conflicting positions. Below are the most prominent manifestations of the disagreement between President “Diomaye” and the Senegalese Prime Minister “Ousmane Sonko”:
First: Disagreement over appointments and government policies: Since the “PASTEF” party took power, the political arena has seen opposition from its popular base regarding several of President “Diomaye Faye’s” appointments [4], particularly those involving figures who supported the former regime. The appointment of Samba Ndiaye on October 23, 2024, was a major flashpoint in this dispute [5]. A division in administrative visions between the two sides became evident. On one hand, Prime Minister “Sonko” called for appropriate corrective measures to be taken as soon as possible via a Facebook post, asserting that President “Faye” made the decision based on allies’ proposals and was unaware of the condemned facts [6]. On the other hand, President “Faye” insisted on moving forward through “consensus and forgetting the past” [7], as part of a national reconciliation policy. This contrast reveals a difference over political concepts of role distribution within the power structure. Sonko may feel that certain decisions are made without his consultation, which explains his assertion of the President’s ignorance of the facts leading to the condemnation prior to the appointment, negatively impacting trust in their governance partnership.
Second: Public criticism: A breach of the culture of government solidarity: The recent legislative elections (November 17, 2024) witnessed a sharp escalation in political tensions between the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and opposition parties [8]. This escalation peaked with a controversial statement by Sonko, in which he described his government’s performance as a “failure to manage the violence” committed by the opposition during the electoral campaign [9]. This statement carried deep implications, implicitly accusing weak security coordination. It also represented an indirect criticism of President Diomaye Faye as the head of the executive branch, as well as a clear violation of the principle of ministerial solidarity stipulated in the constitution. Sonko attempted to impose direct control over the Ministries of Interior and Justice [10], an unprecedented move that contradicts the principles of the republican system and the constitutional balance of powers.
This criticism took a rhetorical turn through communication strategies involving political metaphor, such as his remark addressing the President: “Check yourself when your enemies start praising you” [11], referencing the theory of revolutionary legitimacy, which emphasizes the necessity of the leader remaining in constant conflict with the establishment.
Some view this political audacity as a reflection of the special status Sonko enjoys as the man who, according to prevailing opinion, brought the President to power. Others interpret it as a mere electoral maneuver aimed at bolstering his position before his popular base amid a power struggle within the ruling coalition.
This political manifestation revealed early signs of a rift within the ruling front, which escalated with renewed events—which we will come to. It indicates contradictions in political visions and mechanisms of power management within the ruling coalition itself.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s Escalation with the Judiciary and Presidency
Amid escalating political tensions in Senegal, Prime Minister Sonko, leader of the ruling “PASTEF-Patriots” party, emerged in two consecutive media appearances reflecting a rift within the ruling coalition and highlighting the divergent positions between him and the President:
The First Appearance: Supreme Court rejection of appeal and threat to electoral ambitions:
Hours after the Supreme Court announced the rejection of his appeal in the defamation case filed against him by former Minister Mame Mbaye Niang on July 1, 2025 [12], Sonko came out announcing his intention to file a new legal request to “reopen the file.” He indicated that the case was “fabricated” to threaten his electoral candidacy, but stressed that “the battle is not over,” hinting at continuing the legal challenge [13], despite the ruling threatening his electoral eligibility in 2029. The recent Supreme Court decision confirming the loss of electoral eligibility for Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and fining him 200 million CFA francs in a defamation case can be considered a pivotal factor in exacerbating the rift between the allies, especially with its direct impact on Sonko’s political future. It is likely that the judicial decision exacerbated the mistrust between President Faye and Sonko, as it limits the latter’s ability to compete electorally until 2030. This dispute may explain why Sonko made two media appearances in short succession, expressing his dissatisfaction with the ruling and accusing it of being “politically motivated” [14].
The ruling also exposes the fragility of the alliance between the two parties, especially with Sonko’s insistence on continuing the legal battle, which could increase tensions. It also raises questions about the extent of President Faye’s support for his Prime Minister in this crisis, or whether presidential silence indicates a divergence in positions. If the allies do not find common ground, the political scene may witness major shifts, whether through Sonko’s withdrawal or changing alliances. The Supreme Court ruling represents a true test of the allies’ trust.
The Second Appearance: Forming the National Council and a confrontational discourse with the Presidency:
In a surprising move, Sonko formed the National Council of his party 11 years after its founding on July 10, 2025 [15], solidifying his internal legitimacy despite opposition pressure demanding his resignation. However, the event turned into a platform for direct attack, as he assailed the judges’ union and civil society organizations, pledging to cut off their foreign funding, indicating an attempt to curtail their influence.
He stated that he would not resign as long as he enjoyed President “Faye’s” confidence; however, he indicated his readiness to return to Parliament if confidence was withdrawn from him, asserting that he is “subject to the authority of the President and will not leave unless directly dismissed by him” [16]. This shows partial tension in the relationship with President Faye and strongly called on him to “assume his responsibilities,” revealing disagreements over governance management and warning of divisions within his political party.
Attempts to Contain the Crisis and Reactions to It
The manifestations of disagreement between President “Faye” and Prime Minister “Sonko” negatively affected their mutual political trust, constituting a test for shared power management under the country’s exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless, political interest dictated containing and overcoming this dispute, and discussing its dimensions away from public escalation. During these containment attempts, numerous voices and reactions regarding the escalation emerged from within the ruling front, especially from some of Sonko’s supporters, who criticized the President and even accused him of “betrayal” towards his ally who helped bring him to power. Below is a reading of the most prominent attempts to contain the crisis and their limits:
First: Official Denial of Differences
The President of the Republic and some ministers rushed to deny the existence of any fundamental disagreement. The President affirmed that his relationship with Sonko is “fraternal, based on cooperation for the benefit of the people.” This came during the presentation of the National Dialogue results at the Presidential Palace in Dakar on the evening of July 14, 2025 [17], where he stressed the need to unite efforts to face the challenges suffering the Senegalese people.
Faye clarified that the priority now is to work on resolving economic and social difficulties, considering that “the only battle worth fighting” is improving the citizen’s conditions. Meanwhile, the Senegalese Minister of Public Service described the mutual criticisms as a “normal internal debate” and denied any dispute between the President and the Prime Minister, describing their relationship as “excellent and transcending political work” [18]. However, these statements appeared more as an attempt to calm public opinion rather than an indicator of a radical solution.
Second: Secret Mediation Sessions
Unofficial media sources revealed urgent mediation sessions between the two parties at the Presidential Palace, involving mediating figures such as the President of the National Assembly [19].
Although their results were not announced, this step confirms that the dispute reached a critical stage requiring direct intervention to contain its repercussions. In his second media appearance, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko took an escalatory step by demanding President “Faye” “assume his responsibilities” and adhere to the agreements concluded between them, which were officially witnessed by the Speaker of Parliament at the time.
Despite his reluctance to reveal the details of those agreements, his reference to a “problem in authority” [20] is considered an unprecedented admission of an internal governance crisis. It also reinforces the hypothesis of the Parliament Speaker’s participation in the secret mediations exerted to contain the dispute.
Third: Varying Partisan Support
Reactions within the ruling coalition manifested through conflicting positions. Several senior members of the PASTEF party and the government showed solidarity with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko after his sharp critical speech, including MP Guy Marius Sagna, who accused opponents of orchestrating a “conspiracy” to smear Sonko and weaken the presidential coalition, warning against attempts to divide the presidential duo via a “divide and conquer” strategy [21]. MP “Sagna” also sparked controversy—in a separate context—with his statement about the existence of a “legitimate president” (Sonko) and a “legal president” (Faye) [22], which some interpreted as a confirmation of Sonko’s popular legitimacy despite his electoral exclusion, while others considered it an insult to the President.
These statements, along with the support of figures such as journalist Pape Alé Niang [23] and the Director General of the Port of Dakar, Waly Diouf Bodian [24], and the PASTEF women’s movement declaring full support for Sonko in his media appearance—where their statement focused on rejecting divisions and “suspicious maneuvers” and pledging to support government actions [25]—reflect a challenge to the coalition’s cohesion. It demonstrates Sonko’s popular strength, which was evident in social media interactions ranging between criticism and support.
Fourth: Restoring Order: Measures to Restore Trust
In an attempt to contain the political rift [26], both parties made tangible efforts to restore order, represented by diplomatic solidarity through Prime Minister Sonko’s historic visit to Turkey (August 6-10, 2025) to enhance strategic partnership, coming months after President Faye’s visit to Ankara [27]. This joint step shows apparent coordination between the two leaderships, despite the aforementioned manifestations of internal tensions, reflecting their commitment to implementing the “Senegal 2050 Vision.”
Furthermore, the joint announcement of the “Jubanti Koom” economic recovery plan (August 1, 2025) in the presence of President Faye, who praised the plan and called for “national unity” [28]—aiming to address the fiscal deficit (14% of GDP), public debt (119% of GDP), unemployment (20%), and poverty (36%)—signaled an attempt to turn the page on the dispute.
The moment of signing the “Agreement on Cooperation and Co-production of Films, Audiovisual and Multimedia Media between the Governments of Turkey and Senegal” in August 2025 in Turkey.
The moment of signing the “Agreement on Cooperation and Co-production of Films, Audiovisual and Multimedia Media between the Governments of Turkey and Senegal” in August 2025 in Turkey.
Repercussions of Fragile Political Trust on Political and Economic Stability
Fragile political trust between government leaders is a direct threat to government stability, as a state of continuous escalation could exacerbate the crisis and push the President to dismiss the Prime Minister—a scenario that could trigger a crisis of confidence within the ruling coalition. The Prime Minister’s statement that he “will not resign unless the President withdraws confidence from him” [29] shows the possibility of this occurring. If the conflict returns to Parliament, as “Sonko” indicated, it could turn into an open legislative confrontation that weakens government performance and stalls decision-making.
The repercussions of this tension are not limited to the political aspect but extend to the economy and investment. The President warned that political stability is a major attraction factor for investors [30]. These warnings have begun to translate into reality, with the downgrade of Senegal’s credit rating [31], which negatively affected the country’s image and the confidence of international partners. This situation threatens a slowdown in economic growth and a decline in foreign investments at a time when the country needs to bolster its economy.
In terms of democracy and freedoms, the escalation of media repression and the prosecution of journalists, as in the case of “Badara Gadiaga” [32], portends a decline in public freedoms. Furthermore, the continuous attacks on the judiciary and civil society threaten the democratic gains achieved in recent years. Instead of shared power serving as a model for cooperation, it is turning into an arena of conflict where institutions are used as tools for political pressure, thereby weakening the rule of law and endangering fundamental freedoms.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Senegal has witnessed a crisis of trust between President “Faye” and Prime Minister “Sonko”, evolving from a political disagreement into a threat to the stability of the ruling coalition. The crisis manifested in public criticisms and controversial statements about “dual legitimacy.” Despite attempts to contain the crisis through mediations and official denials, its repercussions may impact the economy and democratic institutions. Below are the key recommendations:
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Enhance institutional dialogue to demarcate the boundaries of authority: It is recommended to establish permanent dialogue mechanisms between the Presidency of the Republic and the Prime Ministry to regulate the executive relationship according to constitutional rules, defining clear lines of authority and responsibilities. Building an institutional framework that ensures a balanced distribution of power limits conflicting interpretations and helps avoid inter-agency conflicts that weaken government performance and blur external messages of stability.
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Activate internal mediation mechanisms to resolve disputes: Political mediation should be adopted as a permanent tool to resolve differences within the ruling coalition. Framing disputes within quiet mediation channels helps defuse crises and prevents them from turning into clashes that weaken citizens’ and international institutions’ trust in participatory governance.
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Avoid media escalation to maintain stability: Political discourse must be regulated, avoiding media mudslinging between governing partners, especially during critical times. The emergence of disputes in the media, particularly on social platforms, creates an international impression of disharmony and increases domestic fragility. Agreeing on rules for disciplined strategic communication is essential to protect the state’s image, both internally and externally.
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Focus on economic priorities to restore citizen and investor confidence: Amid growing economic challenges, it is necessary to direct political energies toward implementing economic rescue programs, such as the “Jubanti Koom” plan, working to improve the investment climate, reduce the fiscal deficit, and cut public debt. Economic recovery forms a solid base for renewing popular and international trust and reduces the chances of exploiting political tensions internally and externally.
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Protect democratic gains by respecting the independence of the judiciary and civil society: The independence of constitutional institutions, particularly the judiciary, must be safeguarded, and the role of civil society as a guarantor of democratic balance must be strengthened. Attempts at politicization or exclusion undermine democratic achievements and expose the country to waves of human rights regressions, raising concerns among international partners and weakening Senegal’s position as a model state for stability in West Africa.
Ultimately, we can conclude that the ruling “PASTEF” party initially represented a political promise to renew the state and build a more credible and effective governance model. However, the current disagreements between the heads of the executive branch put this promise to the test. The stakes are no longer just about who holds the reins of leadership, but rather about the state institutions’ ability to withstand polarizing forces and fulfill the hopes of millions who voted for change.
Preserving the democratic gains Senegal has achieved over decades, and avoiding falling into a spiral of political division, requires a deep awareness of the limits of legitimate disagreement and strict adherence to the ethics of partnership and shared responsibility. Only a state capable of managing its differences internally and containing them within constitutional frameworks possesses the true foundations for leadership and progress.
While the streets have played their part in bringing about political transformation through the ballot box, the responsibility of stabilizing and capitalizing on this transformation now falls on the shoulders of those sitting in the seats of power. The disagreement, no matter its magnitude, must not overshadow the scale of the challenges, nor should it make them lose sight of the compass of reform for which they were elected.
Footnotes and References
[1] Political Trust and Sophistication: Taking Measurement Seriously – PMC
[2] Political Trust and Sophistication: Taking Measurement Seriously – PMC
[3] The Impact of Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Social Movement Organizations on Public Policy: Some Recent Evidence and Theoretical Concerns on JSTOR
[4] Pétition contre Samba NDIAYE : Plus de 3000 signatures en 2 heures — Walf NET
[5] Les nominations en Conseil des ministres du mercredi 23 octobre 2024 – Xibaaru
[6] OUSMANE SONKO SE PRONONCE SUR L’AFFAIRE SAMBA NDIAYE | SenePlus
[7] Nomination de Samba Ndiaye : “Ce que je vais faire”, Bassirou Diomaye Faye prend sa décision
[8] ÉLECTIONS LÉGISLATIVES AU SÉNÉGAL : UN SYSTÈME DE VOTE COMBINÉ POUR UNE REPRÉSENTATION ÉQUITABLE
[9] Législatives au Sénégal : le premier ministre appelle à venger ses militants « agressés »
[10] Sonko interpelle les ministres de l’Intérieur et de la Justice : « 03 agressions et 00 arrestations… » L’État a failli… Pastef peut régler lui-même ses problèmes ! »
[11] Sonko interpelle les ministres de l’Intérieur et de la Justice : « 03 agressions et 00 arrestations… » L’État a failli… Pastef peut régler lui-même ses problèmes ! »
[12] Sénégal : la justice confirme la condamnation du Premier ministre Ousmane Sonko pour diffamation –
[13] Notre lecture de la sortie de Ousmane Sonko: entre jurisprudence dangereuse et exigence de vérité (Par Hady TRAORE)
[14] Rabat d’arrêt dans l’affaire Ousmane Sonko-Mame Mbaye Niang : la Cour suprême rejette la requête de la défense – Sud Quotidien
[15] PASTEF : installation de son Conseil national, onze ans après sa création
[16] CONSEIL NATIONAL DE PASTEF : OUSMANE SONKO AFFIRME SA LÉGITIMITÉ ET SA VOLONTÉ DE GOUVERNER
[17] Le président sénégalais réfute l’existence de tout «conflit» entre lui et le Chef du gouvernement, Sonko – Le Courrier stratégique
[18] Le ministre Olivier Boucal dément toute tension entre Diomaye Faye et Ousmane Sonko
[19] Tensions au sommet de l’État : Des médiations discrètes entre Diomaye et Sonko pour préserver l’unité gouvernementale – LE DAKAROIS
[20] ‘Un problème d’autorité au Sénégal’: Ousmane Sonko et Bassirou Diomaye Faye, la fin de l’idylle? | TV5MONDE – Informations
[21] Guy Marius Sagna dénonce un complot contre Ousmane Sonko et le Président Diomaye Faye
[22] Président “légitime” : Madiambal “signale” Guy Marius au pro… | Seneweb –
[24] Waly Diouf Bodian prévient Sonko et Diomaye : « Nous allons vers des surprises »
[25] Soutien à Ousmane Sonko : Le Mouvement des femmes de PASTEF appelle à l’unité et à la discipline
[26] Ousmane Sonko Appelle à Unité au Sein de Pastef – Senegal
[27] Senegal Prime Minister Sonko to visit Türkiye for strategic partnership talks – Türkiye Today
[28] Ousmane Sonko dévoile le Plan de redressement économique et social du Sénégal • Netcomsn
[29] APRNEWS: Ousmane SONKO refuse de démissionner et s’en prend à Bassirou Diomaye Faye – APR-NEWS.FR
[30] RÉACTION DE DIOMAYE APRÈS LA SORTIE DE SONKO – “Si nous voulons développer ce pays, attirer des investisseurs, il faut….” | Nettali.com
[31] La note de crédit du Sénégal encore abaissée, les choses se compliquent pour le gouvernement
[32] Badara Gadiaga envoyé en prison !
