Senegal’s president dismisses Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko
In a decisive move late Friday evening, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko—a former mentor and key political ally—along with the entire government. This decree follows months of escalating tensions between the two leaders.
The announcement was formally delivered through a televised statement by presidential secretary general Oumar Samba Ba, who declared that the president “has ended the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and state secretaries.” The outgoing cabinet members have been instructed to handle only current administrative matters until a new government is formed.
Ousmane Sonko’s political journey took a dramatic turn before Senegal’s February 2024 presidential election. Once a vocal opponent of former President Macky Sall, he faced disqualification from the race due to a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civic rights. Widespread protests erupted across the country against Sall’s potential bid for a third term, during which Sonko emerged as a prominent figure.
Facing exclusion from the ballot, Sonko strategically backed Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a lesser-known but equally determined figure. Their alliance propelled Faye to victory, but the relationship between the two men has deteriorated steadily since.
Sonko, renowned for his fiery panafricanist rhetoric, had cultivated a devoted following among Senegal’s disillusioned youth. His impassioned speeches fueled massive crowds ahead of the 2024 election and beyond, particularly during prolonged standoffs with the outgoing administration. Upon learning of his dismissal, he expressed relief on social media, posting: “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully at Keur Gorgui,” referring to his Dakar residence.
Videos quickly surfaced showing jubilant supporters rushing to Sonko’s home, chanting his name in celebration of the news. The rift between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko had become increasingly visible in recent months, undermining any hope of continued collaboration.
Political observers note that Sonko’s party holds a commanding majority in Senegal’s National Assembly, having secured a landslide victory in the November 2024 legislative elections. This dominance has added pressure on the president to assert control and redefine the direction of the government.
