This pivotal decision follows months of simmering discord between two figures who, united by popular hope, swept into power in April 2024. On Friday, May 22, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially announced the termination of Ousmane Sonko’s mandate as Prime Minister, a role he held as Faye’s former political comrade and influential mentor. A formal statement, read on national television by the presidency’s secretary-general, confirmed that President Faye had “ended the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who were members of the government.” The declaration further specified that “the members of the outgoing government are charged with handling current affairs” during this transitional period. Details regarding the appointment of a new Prime Minister were not immediately disclosed.

The relationship between President Faye and his charismatic Prime Minister had been under intense scrutiny since their electoral triumph. Ousmane Sonko, a vocal critic of former President Macky Sall (who governed from 2012 to 2024), was himself prevented from running in the 2024 presidential election. This was due to a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civil rights. In a strategic move, Sonko then endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his proxy candidate, a decision that ultimately paved their path to the presidency.

However, signs of strain within their alliance became evident in early May. President Faye publicly voiced concerns over what he described as the “excessive personalization” of power by his Prime Minister within the ruling party. In a televised interview, President Faye had previously stated, “As long as he remains Prime Minister, it is because he benefits from my trust. When that is no longer the case, there will be a new Prime Minister.” Following the announcement of his dismissal on Friday, Ousmane Sonko promptly reacted on his Facebook account, writing, “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in Cité Keur Gorgui,” referencing his residence in Dakar.