Senegal: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismisses Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko

Ousmane Sonko’s tenure as Senegal’s Prime Minister has come to an abrupt end following a presidential decree by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The announcement was made during a live broadcast on national television, where the head of state formally declared the dismissal. This decisive move signals the conclusion of a strained relationship between the two political figures.

The dismissal extends beyond Sonko alone—it encompasses the entire ministerial cabinet, including all ministers and secretaries of state who served under his leadership.

Sonko responded to his removal with a brief but poignant message on social media. “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully at Keur Gorgui,” he wrote, reflecting a sense of relief amid the political upheaval.

With Sonko’s removal, the government of the Republic has been officially dissolved. The presidency has confirmed that a new Prime Minister will be appointed, and a fresh government will be formed under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership.

Notably, Ousmane Sonko played a pivotal role in Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s presidential election victory in 2024. Initially barred from running, Sonko endorsed Faye as the candidate, and the two campaigned together. The election concluded in a single round, with Faye securing over 54% of the vote, a testament to their shared political vision.