Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, bringing his supporters under a single political banner amid an ongoing split with former ally Ousmane Sonko…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially launched a new political party, “Kiiraay, Les Patriotes republicains” (Kiiraay, the Republican Patriots), marking a significant step in consolidating his political support amid a growing rift with former ally Ousmane Sonko.
The party was formally established at a founding assembly in Dakar, where delegates adopted its founding charter and unveiled its motto, “The Homeland First”, according to government officials.
The new organisation has evolved from the Diomaye President Coalition, which backed Faye’s successful bid in the March 2024 presidential election. In Wolof, “Kiiraay” signifies protection, shelter or a shield.
Party officials said the new political platform aims to unite political parties, movements and individuals that support President Faye’s reform agenda.
The launch was overseen by former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, who had been tasked by Faye with bringing his supporters together under a single political organisation.
The development comes against the backdrop of an increasingly public political split between Faye and Ousmane Sonko, his former Prime Minister. Sonko now serves as President of the National Assembly and remains leader of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF).
Faye previously served as Secretary-General of PASTEF before stepping down after taking office as President in 2024.
Despite the split, PASTEF secured a commanding victory in Senegal’s legislative elections held in November 2024, winning 130 of the National Assembly’s 165 seats.
The party launch follows another milestone for Faye on the regional stage. Last week, he assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a one-year term.
Faye was elected chairman during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, succeeding Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
The one-day summit focused on regional integration, political and security challenges in West Africa, institutional reforms and the financial sustainability of ECOWAS.
According to the Senegalese presidency, Faye described the regional economy as “resilient but still vulnerable” and called West Africa “a region weakened by terrorism”, stressing the need for institutional reforms to strengthen the regional bloc.
