Senegal’s President Fires Prime Minister Sonko and Dissolves the Government Amid Political Tensions

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the national government after months of escalating tensions between the two leaders.

The decree was announced late Friday and was read on state television by a presidential aide.

According to the decree, 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 replacement for Sonko has been named at the time of this report.

The decision followed a parliamentary session earlier in the week in which Sonko publicly criticised President Faye, exposing widening fissures within the ruling political establishment.

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

Analysts warn that the move could heighten political uncertainty in Senegal, a country already facing rising public debt and broader economic challenges.

The dissolution of the government is expected to prompt consultations within the ruling coalition before a new prime minister and cabinet are appointed.