Senegal’s president removes prime minister ousmane sonko from office
Months of escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his highly influential Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, culminated in Sonko’s dismissal. Their powerful political alliance had been instrumental in their ascent to national leadership.
The political landscape in Senegal shifted dramatically on Friday, May 22nd, as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the dismissal of his Prime Minister and former political ally, Ousmane Sonko. This decision marks the culmination of several months of underlying tensions between the two leaders, who had swept into power in April 2024 on a wave of widespread popular hope.
The announcement, delivered via a statement read on national television by the presidency’s secretary-general, confirmed that President Faye had “ended the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state members of the government.” The statement further clarified that “the members of the outgoing government are tasked with managing current affairs” until a new administration is formed. No immediate details were provided regarding the appointment of Sonko’s successor.
Since their election, a rift had been growing between President Faye and his charismatic Prime Minister. Sonko, widely considered Faye’s mentor, wielded considerable influence, a factor that was instrumental in propelling their political duo to the highest offices. A fierce critic of former President Macky Sall, Sonko faced a defamation conviction that led to the loss of his civic rights, preventing him from running in the 2024 presidential election. It was then that he designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye to take his place in the race, leading to their joint victory.
However, by early May, President Faye had publicly voiced concerns about what he termed the “excessive personalization” of his Prime Minister within the ruling party. In a televised interview, Faye had explicitly stated, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he benefits from my confidence. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister.” Responding swiftly to his dismissal on Friday, Ousmane Sonko took to his Facebook account, writing, “Alhamdoulillah. This evening I will sleep with a light heart in Keur Gorgui city,” referring to his residence in Dakar.
