Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has abruptly ended Aïda Mbodj’s leadership of the “Diomaye President Coalition” and appointed former Prime Minister Aminata Touré to spearhead its restructuring, in a move widely seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko amid deepening rifts within the government.
In a letter dated November 11 and addressed to coalition allies, Faye referenced his September 10 notification terminating Mbodj’s role, praising her “unmatched dedication” to the March 24, 2024, victory but criticizing ongoing “lethargy and divisive factors” despite surging membership interest. He tasked Touré – nicknamed “Mimi” and a key campaign supervisor – with an “open and efficient” reorganization to bolster the platform supporting his “Project” and Sonko’s government.
The decision lands like a bombshell just days after Sonko, at a massive Pastef “tera-meeting” on November 8, publicly reaffirmed full confidence in Mbodj and dismissed any leadership changes. Analysts interpret Faye’s override as a bold assertion of presidential authority, defying Sonko’s influence and exposing fractures in their once-unbreakable alliance.
Eighteen months into their administration, tensions between Faye and Sonko – former prison mates turned co-leaders – have boiled over, paralyzing state functions amid Senegal’s worst financial crisis. Sonko has repeatedly criticized Faye for failing to shield him from attacks and has hinted at irreparable breaks. At the same time, Faye builds alliances with figures like Touré, who was recently targeted by Sonko’s camp.
Touré, attacked by Sonko allies, confirmed her role on social media, thanking Mbodj and sharing Faye’s letter. Mbodj deferred comment to Sonko’s prior statements, underscoring loyalties.
As Pastef hardliners question the letter’s authenticity and reports emerge of Sonko calling emergency meetings, Faye’s gamble risks splintering the majority ahead of the 2029 elections. With Sonko eyeing a comeback despite ineligibility rulings, this coalition shakeup signals Faye’s push for independence – potentially at the cost of unity in a nation grappling with debt and discontent.
