[Micro trottoir] Ce que les citoyens attendent du nouveau gouvernement
Two years after PASTEF came to power, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made a major political shift by appointing a new government headed by Al Aminou Lô, thus sealing Ousmane Sonko's departure. Between disappointment with a perceived lackluster economic performance and fears of internal strife within the executive branch, this reshuffle has sparked passionate and deeply divided reactions among Senegalese citizens.
The formation of the new government team by the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, continues to generate much discussion. While some citizens welcome this cabinet reshuffle with great enthusiasm, others remain skeptical of this restructuring of the executive branch.
For some, this reshuffling of ministerial leadership comes at a crucial time to turn things around. Indeed, after PASTEF's victory in 2024, Senegalese people had hoped for a profound transformation of the country and a rapid improvement in their living conditions. Unfortunately, these expectations have been dashed by a particularly difficult economic situation. After two years of governance without concrete results, some believe this reorientation could bring about major changes. They see the removal of Ousmane Sonko and the withdrawal of most PASTEF officials as freeing up resources for the president, some of whom had previously considered them an obstacle to his mission.
"I think this change is very much needed because at the beginning of their term, PASTEF sold us a dream and so far none of that has been done," Abdoulaye remarks with great interest.
The break between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko
Dismissed from his post as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday, May 22, 2026—an act that led to the immediate dissolution of the government—Ousmane Sonko ordered all activists and members of his political party to refrain from any involvement whatsoever in the activities and formation of Al Aminou Lô's new cabinet. However, it is clear that several PASTEF figures appear on the list of the new team.
The idea that "Ousmane Sonko is an obstacle to Bassirou Diomaye Faye," long whispered in political circles, has become an argument brandished by the president's supporters to justify his decision. Ablaye Kane, a former PASTEF activist, openly disapproves of his former leader's stance: "I was with PASTEF, but now I realize that Ousmane Sonko is acting with ill intent. He must let the government do its work because so far no concrete action has been taken."
Like him, many hope that this reshuffle will give new impetus to the authorities to revitalize the socio-economic activity of the country.
Anger and loyalty among PASTEF supporters
Conversely, many supporters of PASTEF, now in opposition, are refraining from any media comment, out of respect for the boycott called for by their leader. True to party line, some are venting their anger behind the scenes, expressing total disagreement with the "Diomaye Président" coalition, which they accuse of allying itself with political figures previously associated with shady dealings or the embezzlement of public funds.
Others, unable to contain their bitterness, choose to express themselves openly: "The recently dissolved government is more trustworthy than the new regime in place because its members have a sense of patriotism and are more truthful," fumes Pape Guèye.
For Ousmane Sonko's supporters, the decision to boycott the government is a matter of strict political consistency. Nevertheless, they believe that the few PASTEF members who were retained will be able to carry out their mission in line with their historical leader. Matar adds, firmly: "Bassirou Diomaye Faye can no longer claim that Sonko is a hindrance; he simply has to present us with concrete results from now on."
Despite accusations of betrayal leveled by some against the President of the Republic, the reappointment of ministers close to the original movement, such as Déthié Fall or Moustapha Guirassy, is generally well received by public opinion, even if some observers urge them to exercise the utmost caution.
Finally, the youth and sports sector has not been spared by this wave of changes. The replacement of Minister Khady Diène Gaye by Djireye Clotilde Coly has sparked strong criticism and widespread concern, just days before the start of the World Cup.
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