{"id":6119,"date":"2026-05-23T06:37:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T06:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/en\/home\/senegal-president-sacks-ousmane-sonko"},"modified":"2026-05-24T09:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T09:54:08","slug":"senegal-president-sacks-ousmane-sonko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/en\/policy\/senegal-president-sacks-ousmane-sonko","title":{"rendered":"Senegal President Sacks Ousmane Sonko"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press. <\/strong> <\/span>Senegalese President Bassey Doumay Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and issued a decree to dissolve the government, raising numerous questions about the country’s political future and its implications.<\/p>\n

This move reflects the escalating political rifts between the former allies who led the political change in the country during the 2024 elections. The decision comes after months of rising tensions between the two, who have turned into adversaries.<\/p>\n

The dismissal occurs within a political context that has seen widespread reactions among the ruling majority and supporters of the Pastef party.<\/p>\n

A statement broadcast by a local source, attributed to the Secretary General of the Presidency, Omar Samba, late on Friday, confirmed that President Bassey Doumay Faye dismissed Prime Minister Sonko.<\/p>\n

According to the presidential decree, this decision also entails the termination of all ministers and state secretaries who are members of the government.<\/p>\n

However, the text clarified that the outgoing government members will continue to manage ongoing affairs until a new government team is formed.<\/p>\n

This action opens a new institutional and political phase in Senegal. Sonko has held the position of Prime Minister since April 2024, as part of the government formed following the election of President Bassey Doumay Faye. Authorities have yet to announce the composition of the upcoming government or when it will be formed.<\/p>\n

Shortly after the official announcement, Sonko expressed relief following his dismissal by President Bassey Doumay Faye, stating that he would feel at ease that night, a reaction that raised questions about the current political dynamics and tensions within the Senegalese landscape.<\/p>\n

Just moments after being informed of his dismissal by the President, Ousmane Sonko commented in a brief statement: “Thank God… tonight I will sleep with a peaceful heart in the Ke\u0308r Gorgi neighborhood.”<\/p>\n

Deputy Awa Sy defended Sonko’s political project following his dismissal, asserting that the legitimacy of the legislative authority cannot be overlooked, warning the executive branch of the consequences of any potential move to dissolve the National Assembly.<\/p>\n

Awa Sy belongs to the Pastef party, which is led by the dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.<\/p>\n

In her post, the parliamentarian noted that the executive cannot ignore the legitimacy of the legislative authority, emphasizing that Sonko’s exit from the government does not negate “the popular will represented by the National Assembly.”<\/p>\n

Awa Sy also confirmed that the National Assembly remains committed to the political project advocated by the former Prime Minister, which she claims enjoys broad support among Senegalese citizens.<\/p>\n

In her message, the deputy also addressed the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly, stating that if the executive believes it holds all powers, it should “prepare a decree to dissolve the National Assembly as well.”<\/p>\n

She concluded her statement by affirming that “in democracy, no authority is above institutions or popular sovereignty.”<\/p>\n

For his part, Governor Diouf Bougane, the General Director of the Independent Dakar Port and a member of the Pastef party, expressed his full support for Ousmane Sonko following his dismissal.<\/p>\n

This was stated in a post he shared on social media, where he affirmed his solidarity with the former Prime Minister, considering that “a new phase has just begun.”<\/p>\n

Governor Diouf Bougane stated that his political camp will continue to support Sonko in preparation for the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for 2029, adding: “With dignity, we will go with Sonko to the presidential palace in 2029.”<\/p>\n

Following Sonko’s dismissal, former Dakar Mayor Barthe\u0301lemy Diaz called for the necessary unity for Senegal in light of the current political circumstances.<\/p>\n

In a statement, he urged political actors and citizens to focus on national priorities, calling for “moving towards the essentials,” and emphasizing the need to maintain stability and unity.<\/p>\n

Barthe\u0301lemy Diaz also expressed hope for a Senegal based on justice, truth, and prosperity, within Africa, stating that he looks forward to seeing “Africa as peace and unity.”<\/p>\n

A large gathering of supporters took place at Ousmane Sonko’s home in the Ke\u0308r Gorgi neighborhood on Friday evening following his dismissal.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of supporters flocked to the residence of the Pastef leader to express their support for the former Prime Minister, as the gathering gradually formed around the house amid a significant and notable presence.<\/p>\n

Find more news and analyses on Africa<\/span> on the Africa Press<\/span> website<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press. Senegalese President Bassey Doumay Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and issued a decree to dissolve the government, raising numerous questions about the country’s political future and its implications. This move reflects the escalating political rifts between the former allies who led the political change in the country during the 2024 elections. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":6118,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[120],"class_list":{"0":"post-6119","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-policy","8":"tag-africa"},"yoast_head":"\nSenegal President Sacks Ousmane Sonko - Africa Press English<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"-article-header-tag"> Africa-Press. 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