In a major development for African politics, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially removed his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko—who was also his former political mentor—and the entire government from their positions late Friday evening through a presidential decree. This significant decision comes after months of growing friction between the two influential figures in West Africa news.

An announcement made on national television by presidential secretary-general Oumar Samba Ba confirmed that President Faye had “terminated the appointment of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, the roles of all ministers and secretaries of state within the government.”

The official declaration further stipulated that “members of the outgoing government are instructed to manage current affairs” until a new administration is formed.

Mr. Sonko, a vocal critic of former President Macky Sall (who governed from 2012 to 2024), was barred from participating in the February 2024 presidential election. This disqualification resulted from a defamation conviction that led to the loss of his civic rights, igniting widespread public demonstrations against President Sall and the controversial prospect of him seeking a third term.

Following his electoral exclusion, Mr. Sonko designated Bassirou Diomaye Faye to run in his stead. Since President Faye’s successful election, the relationship between the head of state and his charismatic former mentor, whose substantial influence was pivotal in bringing their political alliance to power, has been increasingly strained.

With a powerful pan-African news narrative, Ousmane Sonko had garnered fervent support among Senegal’s disillusioned youth leading up to the 2024 presidential race, particularly after a prolonged standoff with Macky Sall’s government.

“Alhamdoulillah. Ce soir je dormirai le cœur léger à la cité Keur Gorgui,” Sonko promptly shared on his Facebook account, referencing his residence in Dakar. This translates to, “Praise be to God. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui district.”

Moments after the announcement of his dismissal, social media platforms showcased videos of Sonko’s supporters gathering at his home, expressing their solidarity by shouting his name.

For several months, the evident tensions between the nation’s leader and the head of government had become public knowledge, making the prospect of their continued collaboration increasingly uncertain.

Mr. Sonko’s political party holds a commanding majority in the Senegalese National Assembly, having achieved an overwhelming victory in the legislative elections held in November 2024.