Senegal's President Faye Launches New Party Kiiraay

On Saturday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled his new political party, Kiiraay, in Dakar, following a significant rift with his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pan-Africanist party Pastef. Faye, who became president in 2024 and appointed Sonko as prime minister, dismissed him in May after their relationship deteriorated.

The name Kiiraay translates to “protection” or “shield” in Wolof, and its slogan is “Republican Patriots.” During the launch, hundreds of supporters gathered, demonstrating strong backing for Faye. He emphasized that Kiiraay is built on principles of republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and work.

Despite the party's recent formation, Faye claimed it to be the majority party in Senegal, as several Pastef officials have defected to join his camp. Faye's communication team announced plans for a congress after the summer rainy season, as he seeks to implement changes that were previously hindered under the old party structure.