President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, along with the entire government, on the evening of Friday, May 22.

The announcement, which sent ripples through African politics, was broadcast on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary-General of the Presidency. According to the presidential decree, the outgoing ministers are instructed to manage “current affairs” until a new cabinet is formed.

From political ally to governmental adversary

This decisive action signals a dramatic breakdown in relations between the two prominent figures who ascended to power together in 2024. Ousmane Sonko, having been legally barred from contesting the presidential election, had famously endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the substitute candidate to challenge then-incumbent President Macky Sall.

Sonko, a charismatic figure, had rallied significant support among Senegal’s youth with his potent panafricanist message. His influence proved instrumental in securing the new administration’s victory.

However, over the past several months, the underlying friction between the head of state and his former political mentor had grown increasingly apparent.

Sonko’s immediate response

Moments after the news of his dismissal became public, Ousmane Sonko posted on Facebook, declaring, « Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger » (Praise be to God. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart).

Following his online statement, various videos circulating on social media platforms depicted crowds of his supporters converging on his residence in Dakar, chanting his name in solidarity.

Sonko’s departure ushers in a period of considerable political uncertainty for Senegal, especially given his party’s dominant position within the National Assembly since the legislative elections held in November 2024. This development is sure to be closely watched across the continent press and in all Africa news outlets.