Senegal’s political shake-up: Diomaye Faye dismisses sonko as prime minister

In a historic move for Sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal witnessed an unprecedented political upheaval when President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in the late hours of May 22, 2026. This decision marked the abrupt end of a political alliance that had once symbolized opposition unity in the country.

Government reshuffle sends shockwaves through Dakar

Just before 10 PM, Senegalese citizens were stunned by an official announcement aired on national television from the Presidential Palace in Dakar. Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, declared that Ousmane Sonko had been relieved of his duties as Prime Minister, along with the entire government. The decree, numbered 2026-1128, explicitly stated that outgoing officials would handle only routine matters until further notice.

« By virtue of Decree No. 2026-1128 dated May 22, 2026, the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has terminated the functions of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister and, consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state within the government. The outgoing government members are tasked with managing current affairs until a new administration is formed, » Oumar Samba Ba announced.

Sonko’s defiant response

Ousmane Sonko, known for his uncompromising stance, took to Facebook to share his reaction: « Tonight, I will sleep with a light heart. » Hours earlier, during a heated exchange in the National Assembly, he had already hinted at his refusal to blindly comply with directives, stating, « I am not a Prime Minister who obeys without question or agrees to everything. »

A growing rift in leadership

Tensions between the two leaders had been escalating for months, with their disagreements becoming increasingly public. Earlier, Bassirou Diomaye Faye had hinted at the possibility of dismissing his Prime Minister, stating that such a decision would be made if confidence in the partnership waned. « The Rubicon has now been crossed, » observers noted.

With the political landscape in flux, attention now turns to the future of governance in Senegal. The next major electoral milestones are not expected until 2027 for local elections and 2029 for the presidential race, leaving ample time for further developments.