Senegal president dismisses prime minister amid political tensions

In a televised address broadcast nationwide, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the immediate dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the dissolution of the entire government. The decision was communicated through an official statement, which declared ‘Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has terminated the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently those of all ministers and state secretaries within the government.’

This abrupt move followed a tense exchange in the National Assembly, where Sonko addressed lawmakers during a parliamentary session on current affairs. The timing of his dismissal, just hours after his parliamentary appearance, underscores the growing strain between the executive branch and the government’s leadership.

Within minutes of the announcement, Ousmane Sonko took to the social media platform X to share his reaction. His post, which conveyed a sense of relief, read: ‘Praise be to God. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully at the Keur Gorgui residence.’