Amanze Chinonye
A major political crisis has erupted in Senegal after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the entire government, signalling the collapse of one of West Africa’s most closely watched political alliances.
The dramatic announcement was made late Friday through a presidential decree broadcast on Senegal’s state television network RTS, with presidential secretary-general Oumar Samba Ba confirming that all ministers and secretaries of state had also been relieved of their duties.
The outgoing administration has been directed to continue handling routine government affairs pending the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.
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The political fallout marks a stunning breakdown in relations between Faye and Sonko, longtime allies and leading figures of the ruling PASTEF movement, which swept to power in the 2024 presidential election after defeating the country’s former ruling establishment.
Sonko, a charismatic opposition figure with strong support among Senegalese youth, had initially been expected to contest the 2024 presidential election but was disqualified following a defamation conviction. He subsequently endorsed Faye as the coalition’s presidential candidate, helping propel him to victory before later being appointed prime minister.
However, relations between both leaders reportedly deteriorated in recent months over disagreements surrounding economic management, party control, governance style, IMF negotiations and growing succession calculations ahead of the 2029 presidential race.
Reports indicate that tensions intensified as Senegal grappled with mounting debt concerns and prolonged negotiations with the International Monetary Fund following audits that allegedly uncovered billions of dollars in previously undisclosed liabilities.
The political split became increasingly public in recent weeks as Sonko openly criticised aspects of Faye’s leadership and opposed certain IMF-backed fiscal measures.
Analysts also point to disagreements over proposed renegotiations of mining and energy contracts one of the key promises made by the ruling coalition during the 2024 election campaign.
Hours before the government was dissolved, Sonko publicly contradicted President Faye during proceedings at the National Assembly over controversial special political funds, reportedly stating that the president “made a mistake” and should reconsider his position.
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The crisis was further fuelled by controversy surrounding proposed amendments to Senegal’s electoral code, legislation widely viewed as politically beneficial to Sonko ahead of the 2029 presidential election.
The amendments, passed by lawmakers aligned with the ruling coalition in April, sought to reduce the categories of criminal convictions capable of disqualifying candidates from elections. Political observers argued that the reforms would effectively remove the legal barriers created by Sonko’s earlier defamation conviction, which prevented him from contesting the 2024 election.
In a move seen as a major assertion of presidential authority, Faye declined to sign the bill and returned it to parliament for reconsideration, citing procedural irregularities and concerns over conflicting versions of the legislation circulated during the legislative process.
The decision was widely interpreted as one of the clearest indications yet of a widening power struggle within Senegal’s leadership and a growing fracture inside the once-solid Faye–Sonko alliance.
Before his dismissal, Sonko had reportedly warned that he could withdraw PASTEF’s political support from the government if the administration abandoned the party’s reform agenda.
Despite his removal from office, Sonko remains one of Senegal’s most influential political figures with considerable grassroots support, particularly among younger voters.
Analysts warn that the collapse of the alliance could destabilise the ruling coalition, complicate governance and intensify political competition ahead of the next presidential cycle.
The unfolding crisis represents one of the most significant political shakeups in Senegal since the end of former President Macky Sall administration and raises fresh concerns over political stability in a country long regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
