Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Monday dismissed growing speculation about tensions between him and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, affirming that their partnership remains strong and focused on delivering the transformational agenda promised to the Senegalese people.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace after receiving the conclusions of the 2025 National Dialogue, President Faye addressed recent chatter suggesting a rift at the heart of the executive.
“The Prime Minister is my friend. There is no conflict between us,” President Faye stated firmly, brushing aside rumors of discord that have swirled in recent days.
The clarification comes amid intensified behind-the-scenes mediation efforts reported over the weekend, with influential allies seeking to smooth over perceived differences between the two co-founders of the ruling Pastef party.
Tensions and disagreements were laid bare after Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko led an outburst on Diomaye Faye, publicly questioning the President’s leadership.
Sonko’s words were sharp, his frustration evident. “Senegal has no major problem, if not a problem of authority,” Sonko declared pointedly. “If they do not know how to govern, let them let me do so,” Sonko fumed.
However, President Faye stressed a shared focus on fulfilling the reformist mandate that propelled them to power in the March 2024 elections, despite the upheaval caused by Sonko’s outburst and the last-minute mediation between the two by friends.
“My intention is to remain focused on the expectations of the Senegalese people. The only real battle worth fighting is against the hardship our citizens face—hardship that we, too, experience as leaders working with a difficult legacy,” he said.
Reiterating the central pillars of his presidency, Faye highlighted a commitment to transparent governance, national sovereignty, justice reform, and the protection of fundamental freedoms and democratic values.
“I call on everyone to take responsibility. We must live up to our promises,” he added.
Since assuming office, President Faye has embarked on ambitious institutional reforms, with particular attention to judicial independence and anti-corruption measures.
But internal coordination and public perception of cohesion with Sonko, his close political ally and current Prime Minister, have become subjects of growing public interest—especially given Sonko’s historically combative political style and his vocal presence outside formal government channels.
By addressing the speculation head-on, President Faye appears to be reinforcing a message of unity, even as political analysts continue to monitor the evolving dynamics between the two most powerful figures in Senegal’s current political landscape.
