Africa-Press. Senegalese President Bassek Diomai Faye has appointed economist Ahmed Amin Lo as Prime Minister, following the dismissal of his political ally Ousmane Sonko after months of tension between the two.
Lo previously worked at the Central Bank of West African States and has been described by the Senegalese president as “well-versed in the intricacies of economics and finance,” at a time when the country is facing a severe debt crisis reaching 132% of its gross domestic product.
In his first statement after his appointment, the new Prime Minister said, “Senegal is a safe and viable country and will remain so,” adding that the change “is not a change in direction, but in style,” and reaffirming a commitment to transparency and economic and cultural sovereignty.
Escalating Crises
Faye dismissed his ally Ousmane Sonko from the position of Prime Minister last Friday after escalating tensions over several months.
Lo’s appointment comes amid growing disagreements between Faye and Sonko regarding the management of the financial crisis, as the president seeks to negotiate a new support program with the International Monetary Fund, while Sonko has pushed for a more sovereign local economic approach.
Faye and Sonko came to power in 2024 at the head of the “Pestif” party, pledging to combat corruption, implement political reforms, and revive the economy, but their relationship deteriorated with the worsening debt crisis and the suspension of a $1.8 billion aid program from the International Monetary Fund.
Sonko enjoys wide popularity, especially among the youth, and was seen as the most prominent political figure in the ruling camp before a criminal conviction for defamation barred him from running in the recent presidential elections.
Sonko is expected to return to parliament, where the “Pestif” party holds a strong majority, after the resignation of the National Assembly President Malick Ndiaye paved the way for the election of a new parliament president.
Warning Threatening the Government
In March, Sonko warned that he might lead the “Pestif” party into opposition if the president strays from the party’s program, a threat that looms now and threatens the government’s ability to enact the necessary reforms to secure support from the International Monetary Fund.
On Sunday, the resignation of parliament president Malick Ndiaye, who is close to Sonko, paved the way for Sonko to take over the presidency of the parliament, where the “Pestif” party holds a strong majority of 130 deputies out of 165, enabling him to compete with Faye for power.
According to an official document released late Sunday, parliament has been called to vote on Tuesday to “reinstate deputy Ousmane Sonko to his position” and elect the next president of the National Assembly.
Parliament must approve the appointment of Ahmed Amin Lo as Prime Minister within three months.
