Senegal’s president sacks prime minister sonko amid deepening political rifts

In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves through Senegal’s political landscape, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye abruptly terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday evening. This abrupt dismissal has shattered the fragile alliance that once united the two leaders, who rose to power together following the February 2024 presidential election. The decision exposes long-simmering tensions that have festered beneath the surface for months.

In a televised address delivered by the presidential secretary-general, Oumar Samba Ba, the Head of State «announced the immediate removal of Mr. Ousmane Sonko from his position as Prime Minister, along with all ministers and state secretaries serving in the outgoing government». These officials are now tasked with «handling current affairs» until a new cabinet is formed.

This sudden rupture marks the end of a partnership forged in opposition to former President Macky Sall. Ousmane Sonko, who was barred from running in the presidential election due to a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civic rights, had endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his party’s candidate. Sonko played a pivotal role in securing Faye’s victory, paving the way for their shared ascent to power.

A growing rivalry fuels the political fallout

Since assuming office in Dakar, the relationship between Faye and Sonko has steadily deteriorated. Clashes over political influence and governance styles have intensified, with Sonko’s status as a leading figure in Senegal’s youth movement—known for its strong sovereignist and pan-Africanist leanings—posing a persistent challenge to the president. For many in the activist base, Sonko remained the true architect of the political shift that brought Faye to power.

The divide between the two leaders deepened further after the November 2024 legislative elections, which saw the ruling party secure a landslide victory closely tied to Sonko’s enduring popularity. Recent incidents in Dakar have highlighted their widening disagreements, fueling speculation that their separation was inevitable.

Minutes after the announcement, Ousmane Sonko took to Facebook with a terse, loaded message: «Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully in the Keur Gorgui neighborhood», referring to his residence in Dakar. Shortly afterward, social media footage showed dozens of supporters gathering outside his home, chanting his name in defiance.

A parliament deeply divided after the shake-up

The president’s decision plunges Senegal into a period of profound political uncertainty. While the ruling party maintains a strong parliamentary majority, the rift with Sonko risks escalating into a broader institutional confrontation. As one of the country’s most popular figures, Sonko’s influence extends far beyond his former ministerial role.

The rapid rise of the Faye-Sonko duo was built on a platform of fierce opposition to the entrenched political elite, a rejection of historical ties with France, and a pledge to transform Senegal’s governance. Their movement galvanized urban youth, who rallied behind Sonko’s bold rhetoric of systemic change.

By removing the man who once mentored him, President Faye now risks alienating a significant segment of the activist base whose loyalty remains firmly anchored in the former prime minister. In Dakar, the prospect of a swift reshuffle at the highest levels of government has already stoked political unrest, threatening the stability that has so far withstood Senegal’s recurring crises.