Senegal’s leadership shake-up as President Faye removes Prime Minister Sonko

Dakar, Senegal — A dramatic political shift unfolded in Senegal as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye abruptly dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday evening, following months of escalating tensions between the two leaders.

The announcement came via national television, delivered by the President’s Secretary-General, Oumar Samba Ba. A presidential decree confirmed that the outgoing ministers would now handle “current affairs” until further notice.

From allies to adversaries: the unraveling relationship

Once political allies who jointly secured power in 2024, Faye and Sonko’s alliance has collapsed. Sonko, barred from running in the presidential election due to a prior legal conviction, had backed Faye as his substitute candidate against outgoing President Macky Sall.

Sonko’s fiery panafricanist rhetoric and strong appeal among Senegal’s youth had been instrumental in propelling the new administration to victory. However, tensions between the two leaders had been steadily mounting in recent months.

Immediate reaction from Sonko

Within minutes of the announcement, Sonko took to Facebook to respond, posting: « Alhamdoulillah. I will sleep peacefully tonight. »*

Shortly afterward, social media videos showed jubilant supporters gathering outside his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in celebration.

The dismissal plunges Senegal into a period of significant political uncertainty, particularly as Sonko’s party maintains a dominant majority in the National Assembly following the November 2024 legislative elections.

What comes next?

The sudden shake-up raises questions about the future of Senegal’s political landscape. With Sonko’s party holding substantial legislative power, his removal could trigger further instability or prompt a realignment of political forces in the country.