President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s mandate in an unexpected move announced late Friday evening. The presidential palace confirmed the decision, which also dissolves the entire government.

The Secretary General of the Presidency, Oumar Samba Ba, clarified in a televised address that outgoing ministers will handle current affairs until a new government is formed.

Key implications of the dismissal

• The move signals a major realignment in Senegal’s political priorities, with potential ripple effects across the region.
• Analysts suggest this could reshape the balance of power between reformist and conservative factions within the ruling coalition.
• International partners will closely monitor the transition, particularly given Senegal’s strategic role in West African diplomacy.
• The swiftness of the decision indicates President Faye’s determination to assert control over the executive branch.