President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has officially terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, and dissolved the entire government through a decree issued late Friday. This significant political development follows a period of escalating friction between the head of state and his former political guide.

The presidential announcement, delivered via national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency, explicitly stated that President Faye “has ended the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state who comprised the government.”

The outgoing cabinet members have been instructed to manage day-to-day affairs until a new government is appointed, the declaration further clarified.

Once a formidable opposition figure against former President Macky Sall (who served from 2012 to 2024), Mr. Sonko found himself barred from contesting the February 2024 presidential election. This disqualification stemmed from a defamation conviction that led to the revocation of his civil rights, an event that ignited widespread popular protests opposing President Sall and the contentious prospect of him seeking a third term.

In a pivotal move, Mr. Sonko had subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his presidential successor. However, since Mr. Faye’s electoral victory, the relationship between the new president and his charismatic former mentor, whose significant sway was instrumental in their ascent to power, has been marked by persistent and growing discord.

Ousmane Sonko, renowned for his pan-Africanist rhetoric, had captivated a passionate following among Senegal’s disillusioned youth in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential contest, following months of intense political struggle against the administration of Macky Sall.

Responding immediately to the news, Mr. Sonko posted on his Facebook account, stating, “Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger à la cité Keur Gorgui,” referencing the Dakar neighborhood where his residence is located.

Social media platforms were quickly flooded with videos depicting Sonko’s supporters converging on his home, chanting his name just moments after the announcement of his removal from government office.

For several months, the underlying tensions between the head of state and the head of government had become increasingly apparent, casting serious doubt on the future viability of their working relationship.

Despite this development, Mr. Sonko’s political party maintains a dominant position within the Senegalese National Assembly, having secured an overwhelming majority in the legislative elections held in November 2024.