Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of political friction between the two leaders.
The announcement, made through Senegalese state media on Friday, confirmed that all ministers had been relieved of their duties, while the outgoing administration would temporarily oversee routine government activities.
According to Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, the dissolution of the cabinet comes at a critical period for Senegal, which is currently facing economic pressure linked to a debt crisis and prolonged negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The fallout marks a dramatic shift in the relationship between Faye and Sonko, once seen as close political allies. Sonko, a popular opposition figure with strong support among young people, had backed Faye during the 2024 presidential election after he was prevented from contesting because of a defamation conviction.
Reacting to his dismissal, Sonko wrote on social media:
“Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui neighbourhood,”
The political crisis is unfolding as Senegal struggles with mounting economic challenges. The IMF reportedly suspended its $1.8 billion lending programme after authorities discovered inaccuracies in the country’s debt reporting, which pushed Senegal’s debt profile to about 132 per cent of its economic output by the end of 2024.
The development could further complicate efforts to secure a fresh agreement with the IMF, considered crucial for stabilising the country’s economy.
Before Sonko’s dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba had informed parliament that Senegal expected to resume negotiations with the IMF during the week of June 8, with hopes of reaching key agreements by June 30.
Diba also warned lawmakers that the country’s fuel subsidy expenses could exceed the 2026 budget by as much as 1.15 trillion CFA francs if global oil prices climb to $115 per barrel. He disclosed that Sonko had opposed proposals to increase fuel prices.
Sonko had also resisted plans to restructure Senegal’s debt, estimated at around $13 billion, a move he claimed was being pushed by the IMF. President Faye, however, has remained relatively quiet on the matter.
Growing Speculation Over Sonko’s Political Future
The latest development has intensified speculation surrounding Sonko’s political future and the growing rivalry between the two leaders.
Sonko became one of Senegal’s most influential opposition figures during the administration of former President Macky Sall, whose controversial decision to postpone the 2024 election sparked nationwide unrest.
Both Faye and Sonko, former tax officials, were imprisoned ahead of the election before securing release just 10 days before the rescheduled vote. Faye later won the election with 54 per cent of the votes and subsequently appointed Sonko as prime minister.
In March, Sonko hinted at the possibility of withdrawing his Pastef party from the government if Faye abandoned the party’s political agenda, fuelling reports of an unresolved power struggle within the administration.
Pastef currently controls the National Assembly, a situation analysts believe could complicate governance and delay reforms needed to unlock IMF support.
Last month, lawmakers approved amendments to the electoral code that may clear the way for Sonko to contest the presidency in 2029.
During his time as prime minister, Sonko championed several anti-establishment reforms, including a review of Senegal’s resource agreements in the oil, gas and mining sectors.
In March, he described the BP gas contract tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project as unfair and revoked 71 mining licences, arguing that renegotiating energy deals would reduce domestic fuel prices and strengthen Senegal’s economy.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
