Senegal president sacks PM Sonko, dissolves govt amid political tensions

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of escalating political tensions between the two leaders.

The decision was announced late Friday through a presidential decree broadcast on state television.

According to the decree read by a presidential aide, President Faye “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”

No immediate replacement for Sonko had been announced as of the time of filing this report.

The move followed a parliamentary session earlier in the week in which Sonko openly criticised President Faye, exposing widening cracks within the ruling political establishment.

Political observers say relations between the two leaders have deteriorated in recent months over disagreements relating to party leadership, governance direction and the management of state affairs.

Analysts warned that the development could deepen political uncertainty in Senegal at a time the country is grappling with rising public debt and broader economic challenges.

The dissolution of the government is expected to trigger consultations within the ruling coalition ahead of the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.