Senegal’s president removes prime minister ousmane sonko

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal recently dismissed his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, on Friday evening. This significant political shift follows several months of escalating tensions between the two leaders, who ascended to power in April 2024 on a wave of immense popular hope.

The presidential decision, read aloud on national television by Presidential Secretary-General Oumar Samba Ba, declared an end to the functions of “monsieur Ousmane Sonko, Premier ministre, et par conséquent à celles des ministres et secrétaires d’État membres du gouvernement.”

The official statement further specified that “the members of the outgoing government are tasked with handling current affairs” until a new administration is formed. No immediate details were provided regarding the appointment of Sonko’s successor.

Since President Faye’s election, a noticeable strain has developed between him and his former mentor, the charismatic Prime Minister Sonko. Sonko’s substantial influence was widely credited with propelling the duo into leadership.

A vocal opponent of former President Macky Sall (who served from 2012-2024), Ousmane Sonko was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civic rights. Following this, Sonko designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye to take his place in the electoral race.

Sonko’s panafricanist rhetoric captivated Senegal’s disillusioned youth in the lead-up to the election, especially after a protracted standoff with Macky Sall’s government, which had violently suppressed protests against him and the possibility of a third term.

Having just been released from prison under an amnesty law designed to de-escalate years of political unrest, both leaders campaigned under the powerful slogan “Diomaye Moy Sonko,” which translates to “Diomaye is Sonko” in Wolof.

– Spontaneous Gathering –

Responding to the news, Sonko promptly posted on his Facebook account, saying, “Alhamdoulillah. This evening I will sleep with a light heart in Cité Keur Gorgui,” referring to his Dakar residence.

Journalists observed hundreds of Sonko’s supporters converging on his home Friday evening, spontaneously rallying to acclaim him after the announcement of his removal from government.

Earlier on the day of his dismissal, the Prime Minister had publicly condemned what he termed the “tyranny” of the West, accusing it of attempting to “impose (homosexuality) on the rest of the world.” This statement was made before Parliament, coming just weeks after Senegal adopted a new law that stiffened penalties for homosexual relations in the predominantly Muslim West African nation.

For several months, the growing discord between the head of state and the head of government had become increasingly apparent, casting doubt on the sustainability of their political alliance.

At the beginning of the month, President Faye had openly criticized his Prime Minister’s “excessive personalization” within the ruling party, signaling a deepening rift.

In a televised interview, President Faye had previously stated, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he benefits from my trust. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister.”

Sonko’s political party secured a significant majority in the Senegalese National Assembly following its decisive victory in the legislative elections held in November 2024.

Weeks ago, Parliament passed an electoral code reform, subsequently promulgated by the President, which could potentially pave the way for Ousmane Sonko to run in the next presidential election in 2029. This legislative change drew criticism from the opposition, who argued it was specifically tailored to benefit Sonko.

In July 2025, the Supreme Court of Senegal rejected an appeal by Sonko, who was then Prime Minister since April 2024, against his earlier conviction. This ruling reignited public debate surrounding his eligibility for future office.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Sonko was elected as a deputy in the November 2024 legislative elections before resigning his mandate to retain the Prime Minister position. His party interprets this sequence of events as confirmation of his eligibility. Local elections are scheduled for 2027, preceding the 2029 presidential contest.

While President Faye does not command the same level of popular fervor as the Pastef leader, he has steadily garnered support over recent months through the “Diomaye Président” movement, suggesting a potential bid for the 2029 presidency.

Upon taking office, the nation’s new leadership was immediately confronted with a challenging economic landscape. They inherited a monumental debt from the previous administration, amounting to 132% of Senegal’s GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), positioning Senegal as the second most indebted country in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2024, the opposition-led government, formed after its electoral victory, accused former President Macky Sall’s administration of obscuring the true extent of the alarming budget situation. This revelation ultimately led to the suspension of a $1.8 billion aid program from the IMF.