Senegal: president faye dismisses prime minister sonko amid growing tensions

The political alliance between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, once hailed as a novel partnership in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, has dramatically unraveled. This formidable duo, with Sonko as mentor to Faye—a staunch opponent of former President Macky Sall—had successfully contested the 2024 presidential election. However, their collaborative spirit transformed into open conflict, culminating in a spectacular breakdown on the night of May 22, 2026.

On Friday, May 22, just before 10 PM, the Senegalese public watched in surprise as a brief address was broadcast by the Radiotélévision Sénégalaise (RTS) from the Presidential Palace in Dakar. During the announcement, Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency, declared the immediate dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Concurrently, all members of the sitting government were relieved of their duties.

“By Decree n°2026-1128 of May 22, 2026,” stated Oumar Samba Ba, “the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has terminated the functions of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state who constituted the government. The outgoing government members are tasked with managing current affairs.”

Following the announcement of his dismissal, Ousmane Sonko promptly responded on Facebook, stating, “Tonight, I will sleep with a light heart.”

Just hours prior, while addressing questions from deputies at the National Assembly, Sonko had asserted, “I am not a Prime Minister who blindly obeys and assents to everything.”

It is worth noting that significant tensions have mounted between the two executive leaders since their ascent to power in 2024, with their political disagreements becoming increasingly public. For instance, only weeks ago, during a press conference, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had indicated his prerogative to “terminate the functions of his Prime Minister should he lose confidence in him.” This pivotal moment now signifies that “The Rubicon has indeed been crossed this evening.”

The critical question now revolves around the future trajectory of power in Senegal, especially given that the next political milestones—local elections in 2027 and the presidential election in 2029—are still several years away.