Senegal: Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed by President

A definitive break has been confirmed between Senegal’s top leadership. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially relieved Ousmane Sonko of his duties as Prime Minister, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko

The announcement came late Friday, May 22, 2026, through an official statement from Senegal’s presidency. The dismissal extends to the entire government, with all outgoing members instructed to handle current affairs until a new administration is formed.

Secretary-General of the Presidency Oumar Samba Ba delivered the formal announcement on national broadcaster RTS, emphasizing the transitional nature of the current phase. The move signals a decisive step in President Faye’s governance strategy, though its long-term implications remain to be seen.