Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko through an official decree, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The move also affects all cabinet members, whose positions were simultaneously revoked.

In a televised address from the Presidential Palace in Dakar, Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, read the presidential decree: “By Decree No. 2026-1128 dated May 22, 2026, His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has terminated the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, those of all ministers and secretaries of state. The outgoing government members are tasked with handling current affairs until further notice.”

This abrupt decision follows months of escalating friction between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, who had previously served as his mentor. Sonko, a prominent opposition figure against former President Macky Sall, was barred from running in the 2024 election and endorsed Faye as his successor.