Sonko breaks with Faye in first major interview

In his first major international interview since becoming Speaker of Senegal's National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko spoke to RFI and France 24 about his political split with long-time ally President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who fired him as prime minister on 22 May 2026. Sonko addressed the debt crisis, homosexuality legislation, regional security, his political aspirations, and the World Cup, signaling a significant rift in Senegal's ruling coalition. The interview marks a new phase in Senegalese politics as the former allies chart separate paths.