Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially terminated the tenure of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, and the entire government. The executive decision, announced via decree on Friday evening, follows a period of escalating tensions between the two prominent political figures in Senegal.

The presidential secretariat general, through Oumar Samba Ba, confirmed the termination of Mr. Sonko’s role as Prime Minister, which consequently dissolved the cabinet of ministers and secretaries of state. This significant political development impacts the leadership structure of the West African nation.

Instructions have been issued for the outgoing government members to manage day-to-day affairs until a new cabinet is appointed.

Mr. Sonko, once a formidable adversary to former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), faced disqualification from the February 2024 presidential election. A defamation conviction led to the revocation of his civil rights, sparking widespread public demonstrations against President Sall and the prospect of a controversial third term.

In a pivotal move, Mr. Sonko then endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his successor in the presidential race. Following Mr. Faye’s electoral victory, the relationship between the President and his former mentor, a charismatic Prime Minister whose substantial influence was instrumental in propelling them to power, grew increasingly strained.

Ousmane Sonko’s strong panafricanist rhetoric had resonated deeply with Senegal’s disillusioned youth in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, especially after months of intense political confrontation with Macky Sall’s administration.

Reacting swiftly to the announcement, Mr. Sonko posted on his Facebook account, stating, “Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger à la cité Keur Gorgui,” referring to his residence in a Dakar neighborhood.

Social media platforms were immediately abuzz with videos showing supporters of Mr. Sonko converging on his home, chanting his name in a display of solidarity just moments after the news of his government’s dismissal broke.

For several months, the growing friction between the head of state and the head of government had become openly apparent, casting considerable doubt on the viability of their continued collaboration in governing the nation.

Mr. Sonko’s party holds a dominant position within the Senegalese National Assembly, having secured an overwhelming majority in the legislative elections held in November 2024.