Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and all ministers.
NSANZIMANA SylverMay 23, 20262 min read
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Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and all ministers.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who was once a close friend and a partner in the 2024 elections. Following the decision, Faye dissolved the entire government led by Sonko, ordering its members to continue their primary duties until a new one is appointed.
The dismissal notice was read by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency, on state media, including RTS radio. It said the President had “suspended the duties of Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister,” and that the decision applied to all ministers and secretaries of state. The notice also asked those in the Cabinet to continue to address urgent issues while waiting for a new Minister and the new Cabinet members.
The split between Faye and Sonko has plunged Senegal into a political crisis, as both had played a key role in the overthrow of Macky Sall. Sonko had become popular among young people for his protests and campaigns for change, and was considered one of the most influential figures in the new government.
The exact reasons for the dismissal were not publicly disclosed, but analysts say there are serious differences over governance and policy decisions between the President and the Prime Minister. Their understanding is said to have become increasingly tenuous in recent weeks, particularly on economic and governance issues.
Senegal is in a difficult economic situation, with a high debt burden and ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find strategies to stimulate economic growth and reduce basic costs for the population. The government shutdown could delay or change these plans depending on the positions taken by the new administration.
Civil society and opposition leaders have already raised concerns that the government's dismissal could lead to political instability, especially since Sonko has a large youth base. All this comes as Senegal seeks to consolidate democracy after years of political deadlock.
President Faye has announced that a new Prime Minister and cabinet members will be announced in the coming days. Analysts are waiting to see whether he will appoint people with technical experience to address economic problems, or whether he will seek to appoint new people with political credibility to ensure a stable government.
Tuganire newsroom
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NSANZIMANA Sylver
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