Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye formally ended the tenure of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, along with the entire government, on the evening of Friday, May 22nd.

The significant announcement was broadcast on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency. According to the presidential decree, the outgoing ministers have been instructed to continue managing “current affairs” until a new administration is formed.

From political ally to government rival

This decision marks a dramatic divergence between the two influential figures who ascended to power together in 2024. Ousmane Sonko, having been legally barred from running in the presidential election, had strategically nominated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement candidate against then-incumbent President Macky Sall.

Fueled by immense popularity among Senegal’s youth and a compelling pan-Africanist message, Sonko played a pivotal role in securing the new government’s victory.

However, over the past several months, the growing tensions between the head of state and his former political mentor had become increasingly apparent, a development closely watched by West Africa insider news outlets.

Sonko’s immediate response

Moments after the news of his dismissal broke, Ousmane Sonko took to Facebook, posting: “Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger” (Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart).

Following his statement, numerous videos circulated across social media platforms, depicting supporters converging on his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in solidarity.

Sonko’s departure ushers in a period of considerable political uncertainty for Senegal. His party currently holds a dominant position in the National Assembly, a strength established during the legislative elections of November 2024, adding another layer to the unfolding Senegal political crisis.