Senegalese President launches new political party
Dakar, July 26
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially launched his own political party, named "Kiiraay, Les Patriotes republicains", at a founding assembly in Dakar, government officials said on Sunday.
The new party grew out of the Diomaye President Coalition, which backed Faye's candidacy in the March 2024 Presidential election. Participants at the assembly adopted the party's founding documents and unveiled its motto "The Homeland First".
In Wolof, "Kiiraay" conveys the idea of protection, shelter or a shield. According to party officials, the new formation aims to bring together political parties, movements and individuals supporting the President's agenda, Xinhua news agency reported.
The party's establishment was overseen by former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, whom Faye had tasked with uniting his supporters under a single political organisation.
The launch comes amid a political split between Faye and Ousmane Sonko, his former Prime Minister, who now serves as President of the National Assembly and leads the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, commonly known as PASTEF.
Faye, a former Secretary-General of PASTEF, stepped down from the post after assuming the Presidency in 2024.
In the Legislative elections held in November that year, PASTEF won 130 of the National Assembly's 165 seats.
Last Week, Faye assumed the chairmanship of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a one-year term.
Faye was elected Chairman at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, succeeding Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who previously held the rotating position.
The one-day summit focused on the future of regional integration, the political and security situation in West Africa, institutional reform, and the financial sustainability of the regional bloc.
According to the Senegalese presidency, Faye described the regional economy as "resilient but still vulnerable" and West Africa as "a region weakened by terrorism", underscoring the need for institutional reform.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"The Homeland First" - a catchy motto, but in India we've seen such slogans get hijacked. What matters is action on terrorism and regional stability. As ECOWAS chair, Faye needs to walk the talk. West Africa's security situation is no joke, similar to challenges in our neighborhood.
A new party barely a year after being elected? Seems like political maneuvering. In Australia, we'd call this a leadership spill without a clear mandate. The split with Sonko could create a dangerous power vacuum. Senegal has been a beacon of stability in West Africa - hope this doesn't change that.
As someone who follows African politics, this move is classic pre-emptive party formation. Faye learned from PASTEF's internal dynamics and wants his own vehicle. But the real test is whether "Kiiraay" can deliver on economic resilience - that vulnerable regional economy he mentioned. India's experience shows that strong institutions matter more than party labels.
From Canada, this looks like a textbook case of political party fragmentation. Faye's speech about a "resilient but vulnerable" economy rings true - many developing nations face this. But launching a new party while leading ECOWAS? That's a lot of hats to wear at once. The Senegalese people deserve focused leadership.
This is reminiscent of India's political scene where leaders form new parties after splits. But what's striking is the timing - right after winning ECOWAS chairmanship! 🤔 Faye's challenge will be balancing domestic politics with regional responsibilities. West Africa's terrorism problems need all hands on deck, not internal rivalries
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.