Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, along with his entire government, late Friday evening. This significant political shift, enacted by presidential decree, comes after a period of escalating friction between the two prominent figures.

The announcement, delivered via a statement read on national television by presidential secretary general Oumar Samba Ba, 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 are members of the government.”

The declaration further stipulated that members of the outgoing administration are to continue managing current affairs until a new government is appointed.

Sonko, a formidable opponent of former President Macky Sall (who served from 2012 to 2024), was barred from participating in the February 2024 presidential election. This exclusion followed a defamation conviction that resulted in the loss of his civil rights and ignited widespread public demonstrations against President Sall and the prospect of him seeking a third term.

In a pivotal move, Sonko subsequently designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his chosen successor. However, since Faye’s victory, a discernible increase in tensions has been observed between the president and his erstwhile mentor and charismatic prime minister, whose considerable influence was instrumental in propelling their political alliance to power.

Ousmane Sonko’s pan-Africanist discourse had captivated a significant segment of Senegal’s disillusioned youth in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential contest, following many months of intense political struggle with Macky Sall’s government.

Responding swiftly to the news, Sonko posted on his Facebook account, stating, “Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger à la cité Keur Gorgui,” referring to his residence in a Dakar neighborhood. This translates to an expression of gratitude and a light heart.

Immediately after the announcement of his removal from government, social media platforms were flooded with videos depicting Sonko’s fervent supporters converging on his home, chanting his name in solidarity.

For several months, the growing discord between the head of state and the head of government had become increasingly apparent, casting serious doubt on the future viability of their working relationship.

It is noteworthy that Sonko’s political party secured a dominant position in the Senegalese National Assembly, achieving an overwhelming majority in the legislative elections held in November 2024.