Senegal president sacks prime minister after rising tensions

Tensions that had been steadily escalating between Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his charismatic Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have culminated in a dramatic political shake-up. The president announced on Friday, May 22, the removal of Ousmane Sonko from his position, along with the dismissal of all government ministers and state secretaries.

The official declaration, broadcast on national television by the presidential secretary general, stated that the former government members would remain in office to handle routine administrative matters until new appointments are made. No details were provided about the timeline for selecting Sonko’s successor.

From allies to rivals: The breakdown of a political partnership

Once united by a shared political vision, the relationship between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko has deteriorated significantly since the former’s election in April 2024. Their ascent to power was fueled by popular support, with Sonko’s influence playing a crucial role in mobilizing the electorate.

Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure against former President Macky Sall, had been barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civil rights. He subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement in the race.

A growing rift

Early this month, President Faye publicly criticized what he described as the excessive personalization of power within the ruling party by his prime minister. In a televised interview, he warned, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he has my confidence. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister.”

The president’s remarks followed months of behind-the-scenes friction, with Sonko maintaining a high-profile presence that often overshadowed the executive head of state.

In response to his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko took to social media to share his reaction. Posting on his Facebook account, he wrote, “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully in my home at Keur Gorgui,” a district in Dakar where he resides.