An exit from power, but not from the political scene
The dismissal of Ousmane Sonko marks a major break with Bassirou Diomaye Faye. But politically, Sonko remains far from being definitively weakened. Central figure of PASTEF and personality very popular with young people, he retains significant weight in the Senegalese political landscape.
The scenario of a return to the opposition
For several months, Ousmane Sonko has already been talking about the possibility of of a return to life the opposition in the event of strategic disagreement with those in power. His departure from the government could thus allow him to resume a more offensive posture and remobilize his activist base around the discourse of “rupture” who made his political rise. This strategy could also prevent it from directly assuming Senegal's current economic difficulties.
Leadership still influential in PASTEF
Even outside the government, Sonko retains a strong influence within the presidential party. A significant part of the activists continues to consider him as the main political driving force of the PASTEF project. This situation could cause an internal recomposition of power, or even a more visible divide between the supporters of Diomaye Faye and those of Sonko.
Towards a future application
The scenario for a future presidential candidacy remains open. Several observers believe that recent tensions were also linked to political ambitions for 2029. If Sonko manages to achieve this, If he can preserve his popular influence, he could once again become one of the main players in the next Senegalese electoral sequence. Its future will now depend on its ability to respond. à transform this dismissal into a political revival.
Égapé of the government, Ousmane Sonko nevertheless remains one of the figures most capable of reshuffling the political cards in Senegal.