May 23, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Senegal political shake-up: pm ousmane sonko dismissed by president

In a decisive move reshaping Senegal’s political landscape, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday, May 22, 2026. The decision, enacted through decree number 2026-128, triggered the automatic dissolution of the entire government.

Government officials were instructed to manage only current affairs until a new administration is formed. At this stage, no timeline has been announced for the appointment of a successor.

The rupture marks the official end of a long-standing alliance between the Head of State and his Prime Minister, both former allies from the Pastef movement. Over recent months, their previously close partnership had been strained by growing public disagreements.