The culmination of months of simmering disagreements between the two leaders, who ascended to power in April 2024 on a wave of widespread public optimism, occurred on Friday, May 22. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the termination of his Prime Minister and former political ally, Ousmane Sonko.

A statement broadcast on national television by the presidency’s secretary-general confirmed that President Faye had “ended the mandate of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state who were members of the government.” The announcement further stipulated that “the members of the outgoing government are tasked with managing current affairs.” No immediate details were provided regarding the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

Since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election, the relationship between him and his charismatic Prime Minister, who was once his mentor and whose significant influence was instrumental in their joint rise to leadership, had grown increasingly strained. Ousmane Sonko, a fierce opponent of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), was barred from participating in the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civil rights. It was then that he designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye to run in his stead.

Earlier in May, President Faye had publicly criticized what he termed the “excessive personalization” of his Prime Minister within the ruling party. During a televised interview, he asserted, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he retains my confidence. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister.” Reacting swiftly to the dismissal on Friday, Ousmane Sonko posted on his Facebook account, “Alhamdoulillah. This evening I will sleep with a light heart in Cité Keur Gorgui,” referring to his residence in a Dakar neighborhood.