Senegal’s president faye removes prime minister sonko

In a significant development on Friday evening, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially terminated the tenure of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, his former political mentor, and dissolved the entire government through a presidential decree. This decisive action follows several months of escalating political tensions between the two prominent figures.

A statement broadcast on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency, confirmed the President’s decision to “end the duties of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state comprising the government.”

The declaration further specified that the outgoing cabinet members have been instructed to manage day-to-day affairs until a new government is appointed.

Previously a staunch critic of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), Sonko faced disqualification from the February 2024 presidential election. This followed a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civil rights, sparking widespread public demonstrations against President Sall and concerns over a potential third term bid.

It was Sonko who subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his successor in the presidential race. Since Faye’s electoral victory, however, a palpable strain has grown between the President and his charismatic former mentor, whose significant influence was instrumental in propelling both men to power.

Sonko’s fervent pan-Africanist discourse resonated deeply with Senegal’s disillusioned youth, generating passionate support in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential contest, particularly after months of intense confrontation with the Macky Sall administration.

Expressing immediate relief, Sonko took to his Facebook account, stating, “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in Cité Keur Gorgui,” referring to his Dakar residence.

Moments after the government reshuffle was announced, social media platforms were flooded with videos depicting Sonko’s supporters converging on his home, chanting his name in solidarity.

For several months, the growing discord between the head of state and the head of government had become increasingly apparent, casting serious doubt on their ability to maintain a functional working relationship.

Significantly, Sonko’s party secured an overwhelming majority in the Senegalese National Assembly following the legislative elections in November 2024, establishing a dominant presence.