Senegal political shake-up as prime minister ousmane sonko dismissed

Senegal’s prime minister ousted amid growing political tensions

The political landscape in Senegal remains unsettled following a dramatic turn of events this week. On the evening of May 22, the country’s President officially relieved Ousmane Sonko of his duties as Prime Minister, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure. The decision came shortly after a heated exchange between Sonko and members of the National Assembly, where he sharply criticized the existence of political slush funds.

Tensions at the highest levels of government have escalated in recent weeks. Just three weeks earlier, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had sought to calm speculation about a potential institutional crisis during a televised interview with three major networks. “He is my Prime Minister. As long as he remains in the role, it is because he has my full confidence. When that is no longer the case, I will replace him,” the Head of State had asserted, projecting an air of calm reassurance.

Public statements reveal deepening divide

The following day, Ousmane Sonko responded with a direct message to his supporters. Addressing the crowd, he urged them to redouble their commitment to the party’s ideology, emphasizing that the Pastef movement is not about personal ambition but about sacrifice, selfless service, and national progress. “Our loyalty is to the transformative vision of Pastef, led by President Sonko,” he declared. “This vision—rooted in sovereignty, justice, and prosperity for Senegal—remains our guiding light.”

Days later, the President took another step in reshaping the government by appointing Me Abdoulaye Tine as Spokesperson of the Presidency. Tine, who also serves as head of the Diomaye Président coalition’s executive committee, replaced Ousseynou Ly, a figure long seen as closely aligned with Sonko. In a public statement shortly after his removal, Ly reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Pastef leader and his vision. “My commitment to the transformative project of Pastef—under the leadership of President Ousmane Sonko—remains unshaken. This project represents hope and ambition for a sovereign, fair, and prosperous Senegal, and it continues to guide our collective action,” he stated.

Coalition fracture at the heart of the dispute

The disagreement between the two leaders centers on the future of the Diomaye Président coalition. While Sonko advocates for its dissolution, President Faye insists on preserving the alliance, which played a pivotal role in securing the 2024 presidential victory. The rift underscores broader questions about governance, party unity, and the direction of national policy.

These political developments unfold against a backdrop of economic strain. Senegal is grappling with a slowdown in economic activity and a public debt nearing 132% of GDP. The country’s sovereign credit rating has been downgraded multiple times, reflecting tighter access to international markets and the ongoing anticipation of a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

The dismissal of Prime Minister Sonko signals the end of a decade-long political partnership. Initially barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, Sonko had endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the Pastef candidate. Faye went on to win the presidency in the first round with over 54% of the vote, defeating former Prime Minister Amadou Ba.