– Dakar, Senegal
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government after months of escalating friction between the two former allies. The decision was announced on May 22 in a presidential decree read on state television.
This surprise move comes as Senegal faces a severe debt crisis, with public debt reaching 132% of GDP. The International Monetary Fund has frozen its $1.8 billion bailout program after uncovering previously hidden liabilities, threatening vital financial support for the country.
Faye and Sonko, once close political partners, came to power together after the 2014 presidential elections. Their relationship deteriorated, reportedly due to disagreements over economic policy, debt restructuring, and power-sharing within the ruling party.
Sonko reacted calmly to his dismissal, posting on social media that he would sleep ‘with a Light heart.’ His supporters quickly gathered at his residence in Dakar, while small protests were reported at the University of Dakar.
The leadership reshuffle has raised renewed concerns about the country's political stability and its ability to secure urgently needed international financial assistance. No replacement for the prime minister has yet been announced.