Senegal has been thrown into fresh political uncertainty after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of strained relations between the two leaders.
The dismissal was announced in a decree read on state television by a presidential aide, bringing an abrupt end to Sonko’s tenure and that of members of his cabinet.
The decision came shortly after a parliamentary session on Tuesday during which Sonko publicly criticised Faye, further exposing tensions within the ruling administration.
Although removed from office, Sonko appeared unfazed by the development, posting on social media that he would “sleep with a light heart.”
The political crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions in Senegal, where authorities are grappling with rising debt and pressure from international lenders.
The International Monetary Fund had earlier disclosed that Senegal’s public debt had reached approximately 132 per cent of GDP, prompting the suspension of a $1.8 billion financial support programme.
Faye and Sonko were once seen as inseparable political allies during the 2024 presidential election campaign.
After Sonko was disqualified from contesting because of a defamation conviction, he endorsed Faye, whose candidacy was powered largely by Sonko’s grassroots popularity.
Their alliance, symbolised by the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko, Sonko is Diomaye,” eventually led to the defeat of former President Macky Sall in a landmark election.
Both men had only been released from prison days before the poll, making their victory one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in Senegal’s recent history.
Political analysts had for months pointed to growing cracks within the ruling Pastef movement, particularly over Sonko’s strong influence and visibility in government affairs.
Reports indicated that supporters of the former prime minister, including hundreds of students, staged demonstrations in Dakar following news of his removal.
The presidency has not yet named a replacement for Sonko.
The latest development is expected to heighten uncertainty in Senegal’s political landscape as the country navigates economic challenges and internal divisions within the ruling camp.
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