President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially removed Ousmane Sonko from his position as Prime Minister and dissolved the national government, a move that heightens political uncertainty in a country already struggling with heavy debt.

The sudden announcement was broadcast on national television through a decree read by presidential advisor Oumar Samba Ba. The statement confirmed that Faye has ended the tenure of Ousmane Sonko, effectively dismissing all ministers and secretaries of state within the current administration.

Sénégal now finds itself in a complex political situation where the sitting president owes much of his electoral success to the very man he has just ousted. Sonko, a dominant political figure, was only prevented from seeking the presidency himself due to a prior conviction for defamation.

The alliance between Faye and his former mentor, Sonko, has steadily disintegrated over recent months. Their political movement, Pastef, achieved a decisive first-round victory in March 2024, campaigning on a platform of systemic change and a vow to eradicate corruption and administrative negligence.

While Sonko commands a massive following, the constitutional reality of Sénégal grants the President the absolute power to terminate the Prime Minister’s mandate by simple decree. This authority has now been exercised to its full extent.

Throughout the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Sonko became a symbol of hope for Sénégal’s frustrated youth. His platform, deeply rooted in panafricanist ideals and a defiant stance against the historical influence of France, resonated widely across the nation.

The internal rift became public in early July during a fiery speech to Pastef supporters. During the event, Sonko openly questioned Faye’s leadership, accusing the President of failing to provide adequate support against his political rivals.