President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on June 1 a new government lineup that notably excludes members of the ruling Pastef party, led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This decision follows weeks of escalating disagreements between the two political figures, culminating in Sonko’s recent removal from office.

The political rupture became official when Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, declared that his party would not participate in the new government. In a statement shared on social media, he cited “irreconcilable differences” with President Faye regarding the allocation of key ministerial positions and the role of the majority coalition within the executive branch.

Sonko’s exclusion marks a dramatic shift in Senegal’s political landscape, where he was once a central figure in the ruling coalition. The new cabinet, announced by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, features 30 ministers but notably omits several prominent Pastef members who served in the previous administration.

The announcement comes as Senegal grapples with severe economic challenges, including a debt overstatement scandal uncovered in 2024 that triggered an International Monetary Fund (IMF) suspension of a $1.8 billion loan program. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio soared to 132% by the end of 2024, forcing the government to seek urgent restructuring talks. Finance Minister officials have indicated that negotiations will resume next week, with a goal of reaching a critical agreement by June 30.