Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, along with the entire government, on the evening of Friday, May 22.
The presidential decree was broadcast on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency. The outgoing ministers have been instructed to continue managing “current affairs” until new appointments are made.
From political ally to governmental rival
This decision signifies a dramatic divergence between the two political figures who ascended to power collaboratively in 2024. Ousmane Sonko, barred from running in the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, had personally endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the substitute candidate against then-incumbent President Macky Sall.
Fueled by immense popularity among Senegal’s youth and a compelling pan-Africanist platform, Sonko played a pivotal role in securing the new administration’s victory.
However, over recent months, growing friction between the head of state and his former political mentor had become increasingly apparent.
Sonko’s immediate reaction
Moments after the announcement of his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko took to Facebook, posting: “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart.”
Subsequently, numerous videos circulated across social media platforms, depicting throngs of his supporters converging on his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in solidarity.
Sonko’s departure introduces a period of significant political uncertainty for Senegal, particularly given his party’s dominant position within the National Assembly following the legislative elections in November 2024.
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