Senegal government shake-up: Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed

Senegal government shake-up: Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed

The long-standing political partnership between Senegal’s top leadership has reached its conclusion. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally relieved Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of his duties, marking a significant shift in the country’s governance.

Updated May 22, 2026 | 1 min read
Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The announcement came via a late-evening statement from Senegal’s presidency on May 22, 2026.

This dismissal extends to the entire government, as confirmed by presidential secretary general Oumar Samba Ba. In a televised address on national broadcaster RTS, he specified that outgoing ministers will handle current affairs until a new government is formed.