Senegal’s new government formed without key PASTEF party participation

On the evening of Monday, June 1st, the political landscape in Senegal saw a significant development as Premier Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô officially unveiled his new cabinet. This announcement revealed a government comprised of 30 ministers, notably excluding the prominent PASTEF party. This exclusion comes despite the fact that PASTEF’s leader, Ousmane Sonko, currently holds the influential position of President of the National Assembly, a role he assumed after his removal as Premier Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The PASTEF party had previously declared its decision to abstain from joining this new governmental structure, citing various “points of disagreement.” This move by PASTEF, a key player in current African politics, raises pertinent questions about the internal dynamics of the ruling coalition and the broader implications for Senegal’s governance. The absence of such a significant political force from the executive branch, especially one so closely linked to the Head of State, suggests a period of strategic recalibration or potential challenges ahead for the nation’s political trajectory.

General view of the National Assembly during Ousmane Sonko's election as President of the National Assembly, following his removal from the post of Premier Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Dakar, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.