On May 22, 2026, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This significant political change was announced during a broadcast by the Senegalese Radio and Television (RTS) just before 10 PM UTC.
Details of the Dismissal
Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency, delivered the news from the Presidential Palace in Dakar. He stated that, by Decree No. 2026-1128, President Faye ended the tenure of Sonko along with that of other government ministers and secretaries of state. The outgoing officials were instructed to manage ongoing affairs.
Context of the Dismissal
The dismissal followed Ousmane Sonko’s recent appearance before the National Assembly, where he answered questions from lawmakers. During this session, Sonko asserted his independence as a Prime Minister, insisting he does not blindly follow orders. He mentioned existing “divergences” with President Faye that, in his opinion, would not hinder the state’s operations.
- Event Date: May 22, 2026
- Announcement Time: Just before 10 PM UTC
- Decree Number: 2026-1128
Tensions have notably escalated between Faye and Sonko since they took office together in 2024. About three weeks prior to the dismissal, President Faye hinted that he could remove Sonko if he lost confidence in him. The situation had evidently reached a tipping point.
Reactions to the Change
Sonko publicly responded to his dismissal through social media. He expressed a sense of relief, stating, “This evening, I will sleep with a light heart” on his Facebook page. Sonko, who is an erstwhile mentor to Faye and a former opponent of ex-President Macky Sall, had previously been barred from running in the March 2024 presidential election.
The political landscape in Senegal is undergoing considerable changes, with this dismissal possibly impacting future governance and political dynamics in the country.
