Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government on May 22, 2026 [1]. The dismissal ended months of growing tensions between the two leaders, who had once been close allies within the ruling PASTEF party [1].
No official reason was given for the dismissal, but reports indicate the decision aimed to preserve national stability [1]. Oumar Samba Ba, secretary general of the president's office, said the members of the outgoing government "are responsible for handling current affairs" until new appointments are made [1].
Sonko was appointed prime minister on April 2, 2024, shortly after Faye took office as president that same day [1]. Following his dismissal, Sonko said, "Alhamdoulillah (All praise is due to God). Tonight, I will sleep with a light heart in the city of Keur Gorgui" [1].
For now, the outgoing ministers will continue in their roles to manage daily government operations as the administration transitions. Further announcements on new appointments have yet to be made [1].
