Senegal: President Diomaye Faye dismisses PM Ousmane Sonko and entire government

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday, May 22, 2026, dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the entire government, according to reports from state broadcaster RTS and several Senegalese media outlets. The decision came just hours after Sonko publicly criticised the president during a session at the National Assembly, exposing rare and growing tensions at the top of Senegal’s ruling leadership.

Public disagreement over political funds

During Friday morning’s parliamentary question session, Sonko openly challenged President Faye over the issue of political funds, also referred to as special state funds. “The president made a mistake concerning political funds, and I hope he returns to reason. I do not agree with him on this issue,” Sonko told lawmakers. He also opposed the idea of abolishing the funds entirely, arguing instead for stricter regulation in line with the historical commitments of the ruling PASTEF party. The remarks highlighted a major public split between the two leaders, who had jointly led PASTEF to victory in the March 2024 presidential election.

Government dissolved amid political shock

Sonko, 51, founder and secretary-general of PASTEF, had served as prime minister since April 3, 2024, one day after Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s inauguration. The dismissal of the entire cabinet effectively amounts to a full dissolution of the executive branch. At the time of reporting, no replacement prime minister had been announced. Oumar Samba Ba, minister and secretary-general of the presidency, was expected to address the nation later in the evening on behalf of President Faye.

Supporters gather at Sonko’s residence

Shortly after the announcement, hundreds of Sonko supporters gathered outside his residence in Dakar’s Keur Gorgui district to show solidarity with the former prime minister. The large mobilisation reflects the political uncertainty created by the sudden rupture between the two leading figures of PASTEF, once seen as inseparable allies in Senegal’s recent political transition.