Senegal’s president sacks prime minister amid political shake-up

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, his former mentor, along with the entire government through a presidential decree issued Friday evening. The announcement followed months of escalating tensions between the two leaders.

In a televised statement delivered by presidential secretary-general Oumar Samba Ba, it was confirmed that the president “has put an end to the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, to those of the ministers and state secretaries serving in the government.” The outgoing officials have been instructed to handle only routine administrative matters until a new government is formed.

Sonko, once a fierce opponent of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), was barred from contesting the February 2024 presidential election following a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civil rights. His exclusion sparked widespread protests against Sall’s potential bid for a third term.

During the 2024 campaign, Sonko endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement, a move that proved pivotal in propelling Faye to victory. However, the relationship between the two men has since deteriorated, marked by growing discord and public clashes.

Sonko’s panafricanist rhetoric resonated deeply with Senegal’s disillusioned youth ahead of the 2024 election and during his prolonged standoff with Sall’s administration. His charismatic leadership and populist appeal played a key role in securing the duo’s rise to power.

Reacting swiftly to his dismissal, Sonko posted on Facebook: “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I’ll sleep peacefully in Keur Gorgui,” a reference to his residence in Dakar. Social media footage captured jubilant supporters gathering outside his home, chanting his name in celebration of the news.

The rift between Faye and Sonko had become increasingly apparent over recent months, casting doubt on the feasibility of their continued cooperation. Sonko’s party commands a dominant majority in Senegal’s National Assembly after securing a landslide victory in the November 2024 legislative elections.