Senegal: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminates Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s mandate

A televised address from the Palais de la République in Dakar confirmed the termination of Ousmane Sonko’s role as Prime Minister of Senegal. The decree, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, also dissolved the entire government, with outgoing officials instructed to handle only routine administrative matters until further notice.

« By Decree No. 2026-1128 dated May 22, 2026, His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has terminated the duties of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, along with those of all ministers and secretaries of state. The outgoing government members are tasked with managing current affairs until a new administration is formed, » announced Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency.

Tensions between President Faye and former Prime Minister Sonko had intensified in recent months. Sonko, a former political mentor to the president, had been barred from contesting the 2024 election and subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement. The move marked a turning point in Senegal’s political landscape.

Further developments are expected in the coming days.