Senegal’s President Faye Fires PM Sonko, Dissolves Government Amid Political Crisis
The dismissal follows months of growing tensions between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko
- President Faye sacks PM Sonko and dissolves government
- Political tensions deepen amid Senegal’s economic crisis
- IMF talks and key reforms face fresh uncertainty
Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved Senegal’s government following months of growing political tension between the two former allies.
A statement broadcast on state media announced that all ministers had been relieved of their duties, while the outgoing administration would continue handling routine government business temporarily, according to Oumar Samba Ba, secretary-general of the presidency.
The dramatic political split comes at a difficult economic moment for Senegal, which is facing a worsening debt crisis and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sonko, a popular opposition figure with strong support among young people, had backed Faye during the 2024 presidential election after being barred from contesting due to a defamation conviction. Following Faye’s victory, Sonko was appointed prime minister.
Reacting to his dismissal in a social media post, Sonko said he would “sleep with a light heart” at his residence in Keur Gorgui.
The fallout between the two leaders has raised concerns about political stability and the future of economic reforms needed to secure renewed IMF support.
Senegal’s $1.8 billion IMF lending programme was suspended after authorities uncovered misreported debt figures, with the country’s debt level reportedly reaching 132% of gross domestic product by the end of 2024.
Earlier on Friday, before Sonko’s dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba told
