Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and setting up a struggle for control of the reform movement that swept them to power in 2024.
The creation of Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots on Saturday formalised the collapse of the alliance between Faye and Sonko after months of tensions over the direction of the government and Senegal’s mounting economic challenges.
The new party grew out of the Diomaye President coalition, which backed Faye’s successful 2024 presidential campaign. Speaking before supporters in Dakar, Faye portrayed Kiiraay as a movement centred on institutions rather than personalities.
“Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots is an open house,” Faye said, adding that the party would be guided by “ethics” and “transparency”.
He said the movement would be open to “young people, women, farmers, fishermen, teachers, health workers, the diaspora” and all citizens committed to serving the republic.
In another message directed at his supporters, Faye said political office should not be treated as a reward.
“Responsibilities will be duties and not rewards,” he said, adding that transparency would remain one of the party’s guiding principles.
The launch completes the political rupture between two men whose alliance overturned Senegal’s political establishment.
