Senegal Faces Political Shake-Up as President Faye Dismisses Prime Minister Sonko and Dissolves Cabinet

Senegal has been plunged into fresh political uncertainty after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from office and dissolved the entire government, according to a statement read on state television.

The outgoing cabinet has been instructed to continue handling day-to-day state affairs while a new government is expected to be formed.

The decision marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between President Faye and his former ally Sonko, a once-popular opposition leader and key figure in the ruling coalition. Sonko had supported Faye in the 2024 presidential election after being barred from running himself, and later served as prime minister in the new administration.

Their relationship has deteriorated in recent months amid disagreements over political direction and governance.

The shake-up comes at a sensitive time for Senegal’s economy. The country is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after a lending programme worth about $1.8bn was suspended due to revelations of previously unreported public debt. Senegal’s debt level was later revised to around 132 percent of GDP, raising concerns over fiscal stability.

Analysts warn that the political disruption could further delay IMF talks and complicate efforts to restore financial support.

Before his dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba had indicated that discussions with the IMF were expected to resume in early June, with hopes of reaching preliminary agreements by the end of the month.

Sonko, a dominant political figure with strong youth support and leader of the Pastef party, remains influential in parliament, where his party holds a majority. His next political move remains unclear, though he has previously suggested he could return fully to opposition if the government strays from its original reform agenda.

The latest development adds a new layer of instability to Senegal’s post-election transition, despite hopes earlier this year that the Faye-Sonko alliance would bring long-term political renewal.

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