Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to establish a new political party, signalling a deepening split with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

A coalition supporting the Senegalese leader said President Faye has directed senior adviser Aminata Touré to lead a task force to create the new party.

The move follows Sonko’s removal as prime minister and his emergence as Speaker of the National Assembly.

The political rift comes as Senegal faces economic challenges and ahead of the 2027 local elections, which are expected to test the popularity of both leaders.