On Friday, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the termination of his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a former ally in their shared political struggle. This significant development follows months of escalating tensions between the two leaders, who ascended to power in April 2024 on a wave of immense popular hope.

The presidential decree, read aloud on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the presidency’s secretary general, confirmed the end of “the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who were members of the government.” This pivotal decision marks a new chapter in Senegalese politics.

The announcement further stipulated that “members of the outgoing government are tasked with managing current affairs.” As of now, no information has been provided regarding the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

Since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election, a noticeable strain has developed between him and his charismatic former mentor, Ousmane Sonko. Sonko’s considerable influence was instrumental in propelling their political duo to the highest office, captivating the attention of Africa news observers.

As a staunch critic of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), Ousmane Sonko was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civil rights. Subsequently, he designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement in the electoral race.

With a compelling panafricanist rhetoric, Mr. Sonko ignited passionate support among Senegal’s disillusioned youth. This followed months of intense confrontation with Macky Sall’s government, which had violently suppressed protests against him and the possibility of a third term. Fresh from prison, having benefited from an amnesty, Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye campaigned under the rallying cry “Diomaye Moy Sonko,” meaning “Diomaye is Sonko” in Wolof.

– Spontaneous gathering –

“Alhamdoulillah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui district,” the Dakar neighborhood where he resides, Mr. Sonko immediately posted on his Facebook account. Shortly after midnight, Mr. Sonko arrived home to greet hundreds of jubilant supporters who had gathered to acclaim him, as witnessed firsthand.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister had publicly criticized what he termed the “tyranny” of the West before Parliament, accusing it of attempting to “impose (homosexuality) on the rest of the world.” This statement came weeks after Senegal, a predominantly Muslim West African nation, adopted a law toughening penalties against homosexual relations.

For several months, the growing friction between the head of state and the head of government had become increasingly apparent, impacting the landscape of African politics.

In early May, President Faye had openly criticized his Prime Minister’s “excessive personalization” within the ruling party. “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he benefits from my confidence. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister,” Faye had stated in a televised interview, hinting at the potential for change in the highest echelons of Senegalese leadership.

Mr. Sonko’s party has held a dominant position in the Senegalese National Assembly since the legislative elections of November 2024. Furthermore, in late April, Parliament passed a reform of the electoral code, a move criticized by the opposition, which could potentially pave the way for Mr. Sonko to run in the 2029 presidential election.

While Mr. Faye does not command the same level of popular fervor as his political rival, he has been steadily consolidating support for several months under the banner of the “Diomaye Président” movement, signaling a possible bid for the presidency in 2029. This dynamic is closely watched by pan-African journalism outlets.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Senegal ranks as Sub-Saharan Africa’s second most indebted nation, with a debt equivalent to 132% of its GDP, a legacy from the previous administration. In 2024, the new government accused the administration of former President Macky Sall of concealing this financial reality, leading to the suspension of an IMF aid program totaling $1.8 billion, a significant concern for the African economy news.