Nearly two and a half years after the 2024 presidential election, Senegal's former ruling party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR), is experiencing a wave of defections. Mayors and senior officials are progressively joining the camp of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, according to reports. This trend reflects the party's ongoing struggle to maintain its political influence after its electoral defeat.
Despite the departures, a core group of loyalists remains by former President Macky Sall's side. This inner circle includes key figures from Parliament and regional sections, who continue to support the party's leadership. The exact composition of this group has not been officially disclosed, but it is described as very restricted.
The defections highlight the challenges facing the APR as it seeks to reorganize in opposition. Many local elected officials appear to be aligning with the new administration, potentially weakening the party's grassroots structure. The long-term impact on Senegal's political landscape remains to be seen.
