Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye sought to dispel persistent rumors of a rift or disagreements with his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. These speculations, stemming from a recent, controversial cabinet reshuffle within the presidential coalition, appear to have subsided following the Prime Minister's participation in the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Calm at the highest levels of government

After several days of open tension, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko resumed his duties and took part in a Council of Ministers meeting described as " relaxed and inspiring ".

President Faye, seeking to reassure the public about the strength of their partnership, declared: " He would never do any harm ," immediately adding: " And I know he will never harm me either ."

⚔️ The Origin of Discord

The main source of this discord is linked to the appointment of Aminata Touré by President Diomaye Faye. Her mission is to restructure the coalition that brought the two men to power.

However, Ousmane Sonko clearly distanced himself from this choice, explaining that he " shares neither the values nor the principles " of Aminata Touré. This disagreement comes as both leaders were elected on the promise of a " break " with past practices, but have displayed increasingly visible differences since coming to power.

🔮 Towards the Battle of 2029?

For some analysts, these frictions are an indication of future confrontations. Eric Ekra, a sociologist and teacher in Abidjan, sees it as " the trailer for the saga of the battle for the 2029 presidential election ."

He warns of the ephemeral nature of political alliances:

"The quest for power can bring people together, but it can also shatter alliances that seemed solid yesterday. History elegantly proves this. I think the Faye-Sonko alliance will fall apart."