Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved Senegal’s government following months of escalating political tensions between the two former allies.
A statement broadcast on state media confirmed that all ministers had been relieved of their duties, while the outgoing administration would continue handling routine government affairs temporarily.
The fallout marks a dramatic split between Faye and Sonko, who rose to power together after the 2024 election. Sonko, a popular opposition figure with strong youth support, had backed Faye’s presidential bid after being barred from contesting due to a defamation conviction.
Following his dismissal, Sonko reacted on social media, saying he would “sleep with a light heart” at his residence in Dakar.
The political crisis comes at a difficult time for Senegal, which is battling a worsening debt crisis and stalled negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a $1.8 billion lending programme suspended after the discovery of misreported national debt figures.
Finance Minister Cheikh Diba had earlier told lawmakers that Senegal hoped to resume talks with the IMF in June and reach a new agreement by the end of the month.
Disagreements over economic policies reportedly deepened the rift between Faye and Sonko. Sonko opposed debt restructuring proposals and resisted plans to increase fuel prices despite rising subsidy costs.
The dismissal also raises uncertainty over the future of the ruling Pastef party, which controls Senegal’s parliament and plays a key role in passing reforms required for IMF support.
Sonko, known for his pan-Africanist and anti-establishment stance, had spearheaded reviews of Senegal’s oil, gas and mining agreements, including criticism of the BP-backed Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas project and the revocation of dozens of mining licences.
His next political move remains unclear, though he had previously warned that Pastef could leave government if President Faye strayed from the party’s agenda.
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