Senegal's National Assembly adopted a highly controversial electoral reform law on April 28, widely described as being "tailor-made" to secure the eligibility of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko for future elections, particularly the 2029 presidential race, Jeune Afrique reported on April 29. The law effectively limits bans on individuals' ability to govern to serious crimes and reduces their duration, potentially removing legal barriers stemming from Sonko's past convictions that previously excluded him from the 2024 presidential election.

Tensions between Sonko and Faye have escalated since late 2025, initially triggered by Faye's unilateral party reshuffle and removal of Sonko allies. Friction increased in early 2026 amid rival claims to authority, disagreements over economic policy (notably International Monetary Fund-related decisions) and Sonko's March 2026 threat to withdraw from government, highlighting a broader power struggle between presidential authority and Sonko's stronger popular and ideological base.