What began as a unique political partnership in francophone West Africa—a dynamic duo that captivated many—ultimately proved too volatile to endure. In Senegal, the alliance forged between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, with Sonko as the former’s mentor and Faye a staunch opponent of then-President Macky Sall, had propelled them to power in the 2024 presidential election. However, this powerful collaboration recently devolved into a public rift, culminating in a dramatic turn of events during the night of May 22, 2026.
Indeed, on Friday, May 22, just before 10 PM local time, citizens across Senegal were met with an unexpected address broadcast on the Radiotélévision Sénégalaise (RTS) from the Presidential Palace in Dakar. Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency, announced a significant cabinet reshuffle: Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was relieved of his duties, and concurrently, all members of the government were dismissed from their positions.
“By decree n°2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has terminated the functions of Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and, consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state, members of the government. The outgoing government members are tasked with managing current affairs,” Oumar Samba Ba formally declared.
Upon learning of his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko promptly took to Facebook, posting a concise yet impactful message: “Ce soir, je dormirai le cœur léger” (Tonight, I will sleep with a light heart).
Just hours prior to the announcement, while addressing questions from deputies in the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko had made a pointed statement: “I am not a Prime Minister who blindly obeys and assents to everything.”
It is important to note that tensions had been simmering for several months between the two leaders of the executive branch since their ascent to power in 2024. Their political disagreements had become increasingly visible. For instance, only weeks before this decisive event, during a press conference, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had indicated that he reserved the right to “terminate the functions of his Prime Minister if he no longer had confidence in him.” This evening, it appears that line in the sand has been definitively crossed.
The immediate question now revolves around the future trajectory of power in Senegal. With the next political milestones—local elections—not anticipated until 2027, and the next presidential election scheduled for 2029, the nation watches to see how this significant shift will reshape its political landscape.
