By: Abdoulie John
In a dramatic turnaround that has eased fears of a crippling rift at the heart of Senegal’s government, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have resolved their differences over leadership of the ruling Presidential Coalition, sources close to the matter confirmed to The Alkamba Times.
The reconciliation, brokered through discreet interventions by prominent businessman Pierre Atepa Goidiaby and former Guédiawaye Mayor Malick Gackou, came just days after public clashes threatened to fracture the Pastef-led administration barely a year into its historic mandate.
Reliable insiders revealed that President Faye made an unannounced visit to Sonko’s residence on Wednesday evening – a gesture described as “decisive” in thawing relations. During a closed-door meeting that lasted several hours, the two leaders engaged in what sources called a “frank and brotherly exchange,” effectively quashing weeks of speculation about an imminent split.
“The President and the Prime Minister have chosen national interest over personal pride,” one well-placed source told The Alkamba Times. “They agreed not to let temporary disagreements jeopardize the sovereign project they both fought for.”
While the exact points of contention remain closely guarded, the meeting reportedly addressed frustrations over coalition management and decision-making protocols within Pastef and its allies. Both men reaffirmed their commitment to the “Project” – the transformative agenda that swept them to power in March 2024.
In a clear signal of restored harmony, President Faye has signed a decree appointing Justice Minister Yassine Fall as interim Prime Minister while Sonko takes a brief leave of absence. Sources confirmed Sonko will resume full duties on November 21, 2025.
“He needed a short break to recharge after intense months,” the source explained. “This is not a demotion or exile – it’s a mutually agreed pause.”
The development has been welcomed by Pastef militants and coalition partners who feared internal divisions could derail ambitious reforms on youth employment, institutional overhaul, and economic sovereignty.
Political analysts say the speedy reconciliation underscores the enduring “Diomaye-Sonko pact” that remains central to Senegal’s post-Macky Sall era, proving resilient even under pressure.
As Dakar exhales, one message emerges clearly: Senegal’s revolutionary duo is back on the same page – at least for now.
