Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the entire government, the presidency announced on May 22, 2026, following months of reported tensions within the ruling administration.
The move ended a partnership that brought both men to power in 2024 under the PASTEF party banner. Sonko, barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, backed Faye as the party’s candidate. Their campaign secured a historic victory that ended more than a decade of rule under former President Macky Sall.
After the election, Faye assumed the presidency and appointed Sonko as prime minister. The pair campaigned on a platform of radical reform, anti-corruption measures, economic sovereignty, and a reset of Senegal’s foreign and financial policy.
According to sources close to the government, disagreements over IMF loan negotiations, broader economic and financial policy direction, and internal power dynamics contributed to the breakdown in relations. Negotiations around Senegal’s debt restructuring and financial future were cited as a key point of contention.
The dismissal marks a significant shift in Senegalese politics. Sonko remains a highly influential figure, particularly among younger voters in Senegal and across West Africa. As of Thursday, he had not publicly called for protests or unrest following the announcement.
Senegal is regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. Political analysts say the development will be closely watched by regional observers and international partners given its potential impact on governance and economic policy in the coming months.
The presidency has not yet announced a replacement for Sonko or the composition of the new cabinet.
