Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government, according to a statement read on state media by a presidential aide, in a dramatic political shake-up that threatens to deepen instability in one of West Africa’s most closely watched democracies.
The decision comes after months of growing tensions between Faye and Sonko, former political allies whose partnership helped propel the opposition PASTEF movement to power in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko, a popular anti-establishment figure with strong support among Senegalese youth, had backed Faye’s candidacy after being barred from running himself because of a defamation conviction.
A presidential statement announced that all ministers had been dismissed, while the outgoing administration would continue handling routine government affairs until a new cabinet is formed.
The political rupture comes at a difficult economic moment for Senegal. The country is facing a severe debt crisis after authorities uncovered previously unreported liabilities that pushed national debt levels far higher than earlier estimates. The International Monetary Fund subsequently froze a $1.8 billion lending program with Senegal, complicating efforts to stabilize the economy.
Reuters reported that disagreements over how to address the crisis contributed to the breakdown between the two leaders. Sonko reportedly opposed IMF-backed debt restructuring measures and resisted proposals to raise fuel prices, while President Faye has taken a more cautious and pragmatic approach in negotiations with international lenders.
The dismissal also raises concerns about renewed political unrest in Senegal, which experienced deadly protests in recent years linked to Sonko’s legal troubles and disputes surrounding the 2024 election process. Analysts warn that tensions within the ruling PASTEF movement could further complicate economic reforms and negotiations with the IMF.
Despite his removal from office, Sonko appeared defiant in a social media post after the announcement, saying he would “sleep with a light heart,” signaling that the political battle between Senegal’s two most influential leaders may be far from over.