On the evening of Friday, May 22, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, along with the entire government cabinet.

The presidential decree was publicly announced on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency. According to the decree, the outgoing ministers are now tasked with handling “current affairs” until a new administration is formed.

From political ally to government rival

This move signifies a dramatic breakdown in the relationship between the two leaders, who had jointly ascended to power in 2024. Ousmane Sonko, having been barred from contesting the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, had personally endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the substitute candidate against then-incumbent President Macky Sall.

Fueled by immense popularity among Senegal’s youth and a compelling pan-Africanist stance, Sonko played a pivotal role in securing the new government’s electoral victory.

However, over recent months, growing tensions between the head of state and his former political mentor had become increasingly apparent.

Sonko’s immediate response

Minutes after the announcement of his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko took to Facebook, posting: « Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger » (Praise be to God. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart).

Subsequently, various videos circulated across social media platforms, depicting throngs of supporters converging on his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in solidarity.

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