Senegal’s political shake-up: president faye dismisses prime minister sonko

What began as an unprecedented political alliance in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in Senegal, ultimately proved unsustainable. The formidable partnership between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, established for the 2024 presidential election – with Sonko as Faye’s mentor and a staunch opponent of former President Macky Sall – fractured dramatically, evolving from a unified front into an open conflict. This culminated in a significant political upheaval during the night of May 22, 2026.

Indeed, on Friday, May 22, shortly before 10 PM, citizens across Senegal were taken by surprise when the Radiotélévision Sénégalaise (RTS) broadcast a brief address from the Presidential Palace in Dakar. Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency, announced the immediate dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Concurrently, all members of the government were also relieved of their duties.

“By decree n°2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, 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, members of the government. The outgoing government members are tasked with handling current affairs,” Oumar Samba Ba stated.

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

Just hours prior, Ousmane Sonko had made a notable statement before the National Assembly while answering questions from deputies: “I am not a Prime Minister who blindly obeys and acquiesces to everything.” This remark now takes on new significance in light of recent events.

It is important to recall that tensions had visibly mounted in recent months between the two executive leaders, who had assumed power together in 2024. Their political disagreements increasingly played out in the public sphere. For instance, weeks ago, during a press conference with local media, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had indicated that he reserved the right to “terminate his Prime Minister’s functions as soon as he no longer had confidence in him.” The crossing of this political Rubicon was clearly signaled that evening.

The focus now shifts to how power will evolve within Senegal’s executive branch, especially considering that the next political milestones – local elections – are not scheduled until 2027, with the next presidential election slated for 2029.