Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing fresh turmoil as Aldiouma Sow, a prominent figure within the ruling coalition, publicly accused Ousmane Sonko of adopting a messianic posture that contradicts the founding principles of the Pastef party. Speaking during a live television appearance on TFM, Sow alleged that Sonko’s leadership style has undergone a radical transformation since the party assumed power.

According to Sow, Sonko’s true intentions remained concealed during the opposition years, only emerging once the party transitioned into governance. He described this shift as a departure from the collective vision that initially united party members, framing it as a messianic turn incompatible with Pastef’s original ethos.

The accusation underscores growing fractures within the party, particularly between supporters of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko’s camp. Sow, who has recently aligned himself with Faye’s faction, emphasized that militants joined Pastef for its collective political project, not for a cult of personality. He warned that this evolution risks pushing the party into a political deadlock while fueling opposition critiques that have long questioned Pastef’s commitment to democratic values.

Sow’s remarks follow weeks of escalating tensions between Sonko—who holds the position of National Assembly President—and President Faye. The latter has distanced himself from Pastef by launching his own political movement, signaling a deeper rift within the once-unified coalition.