Kiiraay, The Republican Patriots: Diomaye Faye Launches His Party and Marks the Break with Sonko

The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, unveiled the name of his new political formation this Saturday, July 25, during the constitutive general assembly held at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. Emerging from the transformation of the coalition "Diomaye Président", the party will be named "Kiiraay, The Republican Patriots". In Wolof, "Kiiraay" means "what protects" — a choice that reflects the head of state's desire to present his formation as a bulwark for Senegalese people. According to the resolution read by Aminata Touré, the new structure brings together the merger of 437 parties, movements, and associations.

The President Takes the Helm of the Party

Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally takes the presidency of Kiiraay, abandoning his status as a mere honorary president of the coalition that supported his candidacy in 2024. This choice marks a decisive turning point in his exercise of power, having previously aligned himself, upon taking office, with the doctrine of separation between the presidential function and party leadership — even resigning from his position as secretary general of Pastef. By taking the reins of a political formation, he breaks with this line at a time when his relationship with Ousmane Sonko, who remains at the head of Pastef, has significantly soured.

A Loyalty Test for Ministers Close to Sonko

The launch of Kiiraay occurs in a climate of accelerated recomposition, marked by departures of officials both within Pastef and the Alliance for the Republic (APR). The event is scrutinized as a loyalty test for several ministers close to the President of the National Assembly: Déthié Fall, Moustapha Guirassy, and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, whose membership — or absence — in the new structure will be interpreted as an indicator of their positioning in the rivalry now opposing the two heads of the executive branch.

An Issue That Goes Beyond Domestic Politics

Beyond the partisan power dynamics, the creation of Kiiraay is closely monitored by Senegal's economic partners. As the government implements its Vision Senegal 2050 strategy and seeks to restore market confidence after tensions surrounding public debt, clarity in political maneuvering and stability within the presidential majority are signals awaited by investors. By taking the lead of a clearly identified party, the head of state also aims to display a solid political base, a guarantee of continuity for ongoing economic reforms.

Once this foundational step is completed, Kiiraay is expected to go on the offensive on the ground, with the announced launch of a major national tour across the entire territory. ...