Sénégal politics: prime minister ousmane sonko dismissed amid government reshuffle

The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, announced on Friday, May 22, 2026, the dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, effectively dissolving the entire government. This decisive move, enacted through Decree No. 2026-128, signals a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.

 

All outgoing government members have been instructed to manage ongoing affairs until a new administration is formed. At this time, no timeline has been provided for the appointment of a successor to lead the government.

 

The decision comes after prolonged tensions between the Head of State and the Prime Minister, who were once close allies within the Pastef movement. Their differences, which have grown more pronounced in recent months, have now come to a head, reshaping the political dynamics of the country.