Tensions between Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, the charismatic Prime Minister and former mentor, have reached a breaking point. On Friday, May 22, the president announced the dismissal of Sonko and the entire government, citing the need to address “excessive personalization” within the ruling party.

The announcement, delivered on national television by the presidential secretary-general, stated that Sonko’s functions as Prime Minister were terminated, along with those of all ministers and junior ministers. The outgoing government has been tasked with handling “current affairs” until further notice. No timeline was provided for the appointment of a successor.

The rift between the two leaders has deepened since their rise to power in April 2024, fueled by a wave of public hope. Sonko, once barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, endorsed Faye as his replacement. His influence played a pivotal role in securing their electoral victory, making the current rupture all the more consequential.

In early May, President Faye publicly criticized Sonko’s “excessive personalization” of the ruling party, warning in a televised interview, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because I trust him. When that trust is no longer there, there will be a new Prime Minister.”

Sonko took to Facebook shortly after the announcement, expressing relief: “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully in Keur Gorgui,” referring to his residence in Dakar.