Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, and the entire government on the evening of Friday, May 22.

The announcement, which sent ripples through the nation’s political landscape, was broadcast on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency. According to the presidential decree, the outgoing ministers have been instructed to “manage current affairs” until a new administration is formed.

From political ally to government rival

This decision marks a dramatic divergence between the two prominent figures who ascended to power together in 2024. Ousmane Sonko, barred from running in the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, had strategically endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his substitute candidate against then-incumbent President Macky Sall.

Fueled by immense popularity among Senegal’s youth and advocating a powerful pan-Africanist agenda, Sonko played a pivotal role in securing the new leadership’s electoral triumph.

However, over recent months, the underlying tensions between the head of state and his former mentor had become increasingly apparent, culminating in this abrupt dismissal.

Sonko’s immediate reaction

Moments after the news of his removal broke, Ousmane Sonko took to Facebook to share his immediate thoughts: « Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger » (Praise be to God. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart).

Subsequently, various videos circulating on social media captured scenes of his supporters converging on his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in a clear display of solidarity.

Sonko’s departure ushers in a period of significant political uncertainty for Senegal, especially given that his party secured a dominant position in the National Assembly following the legislative elections in November 2024.