Senegal’s historic leadership shakeup as president sacks prime minister

Unprecedented political earthquake rocks Senegal

A historic political tremor has sent shockwaves through Senegal and the wider West African region. On May 22, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took the extraordinary decision to terminate the mandate of his Prime Minister and political mentor, Ousmane Sonko. The move instantly dissolved the entire government and brought to an abrupt end the executive partnership that had steered the nation’s affairs since the 2024 political transition.

The constitutional decree ending an era

The seismic shift was formally documented in Presidential Decree No. 2026-1128, signed by President Faye on the same day as the dismissal. This legal instrument invoked the constitutional framework of Senegal—specifically Articles 42, 43, 53, and 56 of the Constitution—to legitimize the termination of Ousmane Sonko’s government responsibilities.

The decree’s first article leaves no room for interpretation: “The functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal are hereby terminated.” Under Article 2, the decision took immediate effect, triggering the automatic resignation of all ministers and secretaries of state. However, the outgoing cabinet was instructed to handle routine state affairs until a new executive team could be installed.

The rise and fall of an unprecedented political alliance

To understand the magnitude of this rupture, it is essential to revisit the extraordinary alliance between the two men. Ousmane Sonko, the charismatic leader of the PASTEF party, had built his reputation as a fierce opponent to the previous administration. His disqualification from the 2024 presidential race following legal challenges created an unexpected turning point.

While both were imprisoned during a wave of political arrests, Sonko made a strategic decision: he designated his most trusted lieutenant, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as the replacement candidate for the systemic change movement. The campaign slogan “Diomaye, c’est Sonko” (“Diomaye is Sonko”) captured the public imagination, propelling Faye to a landslide victory in the first round on March 24, 2024.

Upon taking office on April 2, 2024, President Faye appointed Sonko as Prime Minister via Decree No. 2024-921. This marked a historic first in African politics: a political mentor serving under his protégé in a bicameral governance structure.

From harmony to tension: the unraveling of a bicameral experiment

While public declarations maintained the illusion of unity, the realities of governance soon exposed deep-seated differences. Sonko, a staunch sovereignist and fiery orator, pursued bold stances on international relations, mining contracts, and partnerships with traditional allies. Meanwhile, President Faye grappled with macroeconomic realities, regional diplomacy, and the imperative to reassure global financial markets.

The first visible cracks appeared during the September 6, 2025 government reshuffle (Decree No. 2025-430), which intensified internal power struggles. The reshuffle, rather than easing tensions, revealed fierce competition between Sonko’s inner circle and the technocrats appointed by the president—a rivalry that highlighted the instability of the “kingmaker” dynamic.

What lies ahead for Senegal?

This dismissal places Senegal in uncharted political territory. By reclaiming full control of the state apparatus, President Faye has severed the moral influence of his former mentor and now assumes the full weight of the presidency alone.

The critical question now is Ousmane Sonko’s next move. Will he adopt a conciliatory stance, a silent withdrawal, or return to aggressive opposition backed by his still-active electoral base? The announcement of the new government—expected within hours—will reveal President Faye’s vision for the remainder of his term.