Senegal politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismisses Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko

A sweeping government reshuffle unfolded in Dakar as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s tenure. The presidential decree, issued on May 22, 2026, also dissolved the entire cabinet, with outgoing officials instructed to manage current affairs until new appointments are made.

Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, conveyed the decision in a televised address from the Republic Palace. “By Decree No. 2026-1128, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has relieved Ousmane Sonko of his duties as Prime Minister, along with all ministers and secretary of state officials. The outgoing government will handle routine administrative tasks until further notice.”

Tensions between the two leaders had intensified in recent months. Sonko, a former mentor to President Faye, played a pivotal role in the president’s rise after being barred from contesting the 2024 election himself. The move signals a potential shift in Senegal’s political landscape.