Senegal’s new al aminou lo government: sonko allies join despite pastef withdrawal
Senegal’s new al aminou lo government: sonko allies join despite pastef withdrawal
PASTEF-Les Patriotes, a prominent political party, has declared its non-participation in the new government formed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, citing structural disagreements within the executive branch. However, the cabinet includes several ministers closely aligned with Ousmane Sonko, prompting questions about the political dynamics of the fresh administration.
In an official statement released on June 1, 2026, the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, under the leadership of Ousmane Sonko, announced its decision to not join the recently constituted government by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The party specified that its stance stemmed from fundamental divergences with the head of state regarding the organizational framework of the executive, asserting that no official party members would hold positions within it.
Despite this clear declaration, the cabinet unveiled by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al-Aminou Lo features several individuals whose political profiles are frequently linked, within Senegalese political discourse, to either the broader PASTEF movement or circles intimately associated with its esteemed leader.
Ministers with ties to PASTEF in the new government
Among the newly appointed ministers, a notable number are widely recognized in the public sphere for their proximity to the political vision championed by Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye during the pivotal 2024 presidential election. These key figures include:
- Yankhoba Diémé, who assumes the role of Minister of Armed Forces.
- Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, designated as Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation.
- Ibrahim Sy, taking on the portfolio of Minister of Health and Public Hygiene.
- Marie Angélique Mame Selbe Diouf, appointed Minister of Family and Solidarities.
- Déthié Fall, who will serve as Minister of Infrastructures.
These individuals are generally regarded as either integral to the presidential movement or as part of the broader political alliances that provided crucial support, propelling Bassirou Diomaye Faye to his electoral triumph.
Conversely, other members of the government are predominantly perceived as technocrats or independent political figures. This group includes Cheikh Diba, Cheikh Niang, and Boubacar Camara, whose professional trajectories are not directly associated with a specific partisan affiliation to PASTEF.
Ousmane Sonko