Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal on Friday dismissed Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister and dissolved the country’s government, plunging the West African nation deeper into political uncertainty after months of mounting tensions between the two top leaders.
The announcement was made on state television through a presidential decree read by Oumar Samba, presidential aide, who stated that President Faye had “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
Although no immediate official explanation was provided for the dismissal, relations between President Faye and Sonko had reportedly deteriorated in recent months amid disagreements over governance, economic management, and political influence within the administration.
Sonko, a charismatic opposition figure before the duo’s electoral victory, was widely viewed as one of the most influential figures in the government and retained a strong support base among young Senegalese voters.
Senegal has in recent years experienced periods of political unrest linked to opposition crackdowns, electoral tensions, and economic dissatisfaction.
However, the alliance between Faye and Sonko had previously been seen as a symbol of political renewal following their rise to power.
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