Africa-Press. The Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko sought to reassure citizens regarding the political situation in the country, amid a widening political rift between him and President Macky Sall, affirming that state institutions and their stability face no threats despite the declared division between the two parties.
Sonko’s statements came during a political rally organized by the “Pestef” party in the Diamniadio square, following a party conference and public gathering that demonstrated the party’s cohesion and ability to mobilize, just days after the political break between him and President Sall was confirmed.
Sonko emphasized that Senegal is not experiencing an institutional crisis, noting that the people have granted executive power to one individual and legislative power to another, a situation that can be managed within democratic frameworks. He added that the existing disputes remain confined to the political sphere and do not affect the country’s security, stability, or the functioning of its institutions.
Amid questions regarding the future relationship between the presidency and the government, possibilities related to political coexistence in the coming months emerge, including the potential for a vote of no confidence against the government. However, the new government has not yet announced its intention to present a general policy statement before Parliament, a non-mandatory but politically customary procedure that allows the Prime Minister to request a confidence vote.
Political analyst Moussa Diaw ruled out the likelihood of a direct confrontation between Sonko and Sall, considering that political clashes would not benefit either party, especially since Sonko could then be seen as obstructing governance. Diaw suggested that both sides would likely seek to maintain a degree of cooperation while respecting each party’s constitutional powers.
Nevertheless, the analyst pointed to ongoing contentious issues that could affect the relationship between the two sides, including the management of debt and relations with the International Monetary Fund, as well as legal issues related to victims who fell during previous political protests.
Additionally, the political bureau of the “Pestef” party is expected to discuss several sensitive internal issues, including the status of opposition ministers within the party and the future role of President Macky Sall, who still holds the honorary title of party president.
In this context, Ousmane Sonko stressed the importance of holding the local elections scheduled for January 2027 on time, warning against any attempts to postpone them, as they represent the next major political milestone that will test the popularity of the “Pestef” party and its ability to maintain its political influence.
