President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially removed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his cabinet from their roles, effective Friday evening. The presidential decree follows a period of escalating tensions between the two prominent Sénégalese figures.

The announcement, delivered on national television by Oumar Samba Ba, the Secretary General of the Presidency, confirmed that Mr. Sonko’s tenure as Prime Minister, along with that of all cabinet ministers and secretaries of state, had concluded.

The outgoing government members have been instructed to manage day-to-day operations until a new administration is appointed.

Previously a fierce critic of former President Macky Sall (2012-2024), Mr. Sonko was prevented from contesting the February 2024 presidential election. This disqualification stemmed from a defamation conviction that resulted in the revocation of his civic rights, coinciding with a wave of public demonstrations against President Sall and the prospect of a controversial third term.

Following his disqualification, Mr. Sonko notably endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his chosen successor. However, since Mr. Faye’s electoral victory, the relationship between the newly elected president and his charismatic former mentor, whose considerable sway was instrumental in their ascent to power, has become increasingly strained.

Embracing a compelling pan-Africanist message, Ousmane Sonko captivated many disillusioned young Sénégalese voters ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign, following an extended political standoff with the administration of Macky Sall.

“Alhamdoulillah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in Cité Keur Gorgui,” Mr. Sonko promptly posted on his Facebook account, referring to the Dakar district where he resides.

Social media platforms quickly showed videos of Mr. Sonko’s ardent supporters converging on his residence, chanting his name just moments after the news of his government departure broke.

Over recent months, the growing discord between the head of state and the head of government had become widely apparent, casting significant doubt on the viability of their working relationship.

Mr. Sonko’s political party holds a commanding majority in the Sénégalese National Assembly, having secured an overwhelming victory in the legislative elections held in November 2024.