In a decisive political move, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the entire government through a presidential decree issued late Friday evening. This abrupt decision follows months of escalating tensions between the two leaders.

The announcement was formally communicated during a televised address by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Oumar Samba Ba, who stated that the President “has ended the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently those of all ministers and state secretaries.”

The outgoing government has been instructed to manage only routine administrative matters until a new administration is formed.

Ousmane Sonko, once a vocal opponent of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), was barred from contesting the February 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction that stripped him of his civic rights. His exclusion triggered widespread protests against President Sall’s potential bid for a controversial third term.

At the time, Sonko endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement, a decision that ultimately propelled Faye to victory. However, their once-close alliance has since deteriorated into open conflict, with the charismatic former Prime Minister’s significant influence proving a persistent challenge to the new administration.

Sonko’s panafricanist rhetoric resonated deeply with Senegal’s disillusioned youth, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election and during prolonged confrontations with Macky Sall’s government.

Minutes after the announcement of his dismissal, Sonko took to social media to express his relief, writing: “Alhamdoulillah. Tonight, I will sleep soundly in my home at Keur Gorgui,” a neighborhood in Dakar.

Videos circulating on social platforms showed jubilant supporters flocking to Sonko’s residence, chanting his name in defiant celebration of his removal.

Tensions between the Head of State and the former Head of Government had been steadily growing more visible, making any prospect of reconciliation increasingly unlikely.

Sonko’s political party currently holds a commanding majority in Senegal’s National Assembly, having secured a landslide victory in the November 2024 legislative elections.