Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed amidst rising political tensions in Senegal
The political landscape in Senegal has taken a dramatic turn with the dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This decision, announced on a recent Friday, follows a heated exchange between the former prime minister and members of parliament. The move underscores the deepening rifts within the government and the ruling coalition, particularly over the future of the Diomaye Président alliance.
The tensions escalated after Ousmane Sonko publicly criticized the existence of political funds during a parliamentary session. His remarks came just weeks after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had sought to calm speculation about an institutional crisis. In a televised interview, the president had reassured the public about Sonko’s position, stating, “He is my Prime Minister. As long as he holds the office, it is because he enjoys my full confidence. The moment that changes, I will replace him.”
The following day, Ousmane Sonko responded by rallying his supporters, emphasizing that his party’s ideology transcends personal ambitions. “Our commitment to the Pastef project—grounded in sacrifice, service, and national progress—remains unwavering,” he declared. The party’s vision, he added, symbolizes hope for a sovereign, fair, and prosperous Senegal.
In a parallel development, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed Me Abdoulaye Tine as the new spokesperson for the Presidency. Tine, who also leads the Cadres de la coalition Diomaye Président, replaces Ousseynou Ly, a figure seen as aligned with Ousmane Sonko. Ly, in a public statement, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Pastef project, declaring, “My dedication to the transformative vision led by President Ousmane Sonko remains steadfast. This project, which embodies the aspirations of a sovereign and prosperous Senegal, continues to guide our path.”
A clash over the future of the coalition
The disagreements between the two leaders have centered on the fate of the Diomaye Président coalition. While President Bassirou Diomaye Faye advocates for preserving the alliance—credited with securing his 2024 presidential victory—Ousmane Sonko has called for its dissolution. These tensions are unfolding against a backdrop of economic challenges, with public debt nearing 132% of GDP and a sovereign credit rating repeatedly downgraded due to constrained access to international markets and pending negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
The rift marks the end of a decade-long political partnership. Ousmane Sonko, barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, had backed Bassirou Diomaye Faye to represent the Pastef party. Faye secured a decisive first-round victory with over 54% of the vote, defeating former Prime Minister Amadou Ba.