Senegal, Without a Prime Minister
Dismissal of Ousmane Sonko follows public disagreement with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has sacked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government after an escalating political fallout between the two former allies.
The decision was announced late on Friday, May 22, 2026, hours after Ousmane Sonko publicly challenged the president during a parliamentary session.
Speaking before lawmakers at the National Assembly, the prime minister criticized President Faye over the management of political funds, saying the president had “made a mistake” and insisting he disagreed with his position.
The unusually direct criticism exposed deepening divisions within the ruling party, where the two men had long been viewed as close political partners.
Signs of strain had emerged in recent weeks. Earlier this month, President Faye warned that his trust in the prime minister was “not unconditional” while several officials linked to Sonko were removed from positions within the presidency.
The dismissal now leaves Senegal without a government leadership team, as no new prime minister has yet been appointed.
I have the impression that Mr Sonko is not a humble man. He virtually brought Faye to power, but that doesn’t mean he has to disrespect the President
BN
Senegal, Without a Prime Minister