Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new political party in Dakar on Saturday, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko.
Footage shows crowds filling the congress venue and gathering outside as musicians and dancers perform. Faye is later seen addressing supporters and greeting members of the new party, KIIRAAY, the Republican Patriots.
“The day I took the oath before God and before the nation, I swore to serve all Senegalese people, all of them without distinction and without exception, and this oath remains my primary commitment,” Faye said.
“No party, not even the one being born today, will ever come before it. The nation is above us. The homeland is above us. That is why the motto of our party, KIIRAAY the Republicans, is ‘Homeland First’,” he added.
KIIRAAY coordinator Abdoulaye Tine said the party was created to defend Senegal’s institutions and national unity.
“Lately, we have witnessed attempts to challenge the rule of law, but also democracy. Faced with this, a joining of forces was necessary to achieve a national awakening and defend what is essential. When what is essential is at stake, everyone is affected, and we have mobilised for the Republic,” Tine said.
“The name of the party reflects our mission perfectly. KIIRAAY means umbrella, lightning rod or incubator in Wolof. In any case, there is this protective idea which is our symbol, and this is only the beginning of a long political adventure,” he continued.
Faye came to power in 2024 with Sonko’s backing, but their alliance fractured over economic policy and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund during Senegal’s debt crisis. Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister in May, while Sonko later became president of the National Assembly.
The new party brings together former PASTEF figures and other political allies, setting up a rivalry with Sonko’s camp ahead of local elections expected in 2027 and the next presidential vote in 2029.
Source: Viory
