According to journalist and political commentator Yérim Seck, the Senegalese political scene in recent days has been marked by several converging signs suggesting a gradual easing of tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. "Politics is all about signs," asserts Cheikh Yérim Seck.

In his view, one of these strong signs lies in the increased institutional visibility of the head of state, notably through the installation of a presidential residence on the VDN, rented for two years. A deliberate political symbol, also intended to remind PASTEF activists, each time they pass by, who the president of the Republic is.

Another major clue noted by the columnist: "The explicit mention of Ousmane Sonko, as Prime Minister, in the address to the Nation on December 31st. A rare occurrence, almost unprecedented in end-of-year speeches, which are traditionally focused on presidential action."

For Cheikh Yérim Seck, this quote constitutes "a signal of appeasement and institutional recognition, breaking with the coldness observed previously."

At the same time, he notes, Sonko's political attacks against Diomaye have significantly decreased. "The Prime Minister is now adopting a low profile, contrasting with his previously more combative stance."

This restraint would reflect a strategic awareness: "We can't be on the front lines against everyone at the same time."

Cheikh Yerim Seck also highlights certain moves on the presidential side. The establishment of a commission within the Ministry of Justice, which could potentially reopen the Mame Mbaye Niang-Ousmane Sonko case, coincides with the prospect of a referendum on reforming the Constitutional Council and amending the Electoral Code. According to the commentator, this simultaneity is far from insignificant and is part of a game of pressure and rebalancing.

All these elements, taken together, support the idea of a "calculated de-escalation". According to Cheikh Yérim Seck, Ousmane Sonko understood that a prolonged crisis at the top of the state was not in his favor and that an open break with the president would be politically counterproductive.

Hence, he concluded, discreet discussions aimed at establishing a pragmatic political peace between the two men. "A fragile peace, certainly, but dictated by the need to govern and preserve institutional stability."