Senegal political shake-up as prime minister ousmane sonko dismissed

The political landscape in Senegal is set to remain turbulent following a decisive move by the Head of State. On May 22, the President relieved Ousmane Sonko of his duties as Prime Minister, a decision announced shortly after a heated parliamentary session where the former premier clashed with lawmakers.

During the assembly, Sonko strongly criticized the existence of undisclosed political funds, sparking fresh debates in the corridors of power. Weeks earlier, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had sought to calm speculation about an institutional crisis. In a televised interview, he reaffirmed his confidence in Sonko, stating, “He is my Prime Minister. As long as he remains in office, it is because he enjoys my full trust. The moment that changes, I will replace him.”

The Prime Minister did not stay silent for long. The very next day, he addressed his supporters, urging them to deepen their commitment to the party’s ideals. Sonko emphasized that the Pastef movement is not about personal ambition but a collective project built on sacrifice and dedication to national progress. He framed the movement as a transformative vision for a sovereign, equitable, and prosperous Senegal.

A series of strategic appointments followed Sonko’s removal. President Faye named Abdoulaye Tine as the new Spokesperson for the Presidency. Tine, who also leads the coalition’s senior members, took over from Ousseynou Ly—a figure seen as closely aligned with Sonko. Hours after his ouster, Ly publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the Pastef leader, describing the party’s mission as a beacon of hope for the nation.

Clashing visions for the coalition

The rift between the two leaders centers on the future of the Diomaye Président coalition. While Sonko advocates for its dissolution, President Faye insists on preserving the alliance, crediting it with the 2024 presidential victory. The disagreement unfolds against a backdrop of economic strain, with public debt nearing 132% of GDP and investor confidence wavering. The country’s credit rating has been downgraded repeatedly, complicating access to international markets and pending negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

This latest political shift signals the gradual unraveling of a decade-long partnership. Sonko, barred from running in the 2024 election, had backed Bassirou Diomaye Faye to represent the Pastef. Faye secured a decisive first-round victory with over 54% of the vote, defeating Amadou Ba, the former Prime Minister under Macky Sall.