The political landscape in Sénégal is heating up after a dramatic turn of events this week. On Friday, May 22, the President of the Republic relieved Ousmane Sonko of his duties as Prime Minister. The decision came just hours after a heated exchange between the outgoing leader and members of parliament.
During a session in the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko strongly criticized the existence of political funds, reigniting long-simmering tensions at the highest levels of the Senegalese government. The rift deepened following recent remarks made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in a televised interview, where he sought to quell speculation about an institutional crisis. “He is my Prime Minister. As long as he holds the position, it is because he has my full confidence. The day that changes, he will be replaced,” the Head of State had stated, projecting an air of calm.
The very next day, Ousmane Sonko fired back, addressing his supporters and urging them to strengthen their commitment. He emphasized that the ideology of his party, Pastef, transcends personal ambitions, framing it as a movement rooted in sacrifice, selflessness, and service to the nation.
Two days after this exchange, the President took another step by appointing Me Abdoulaye Tine as the new spokesperson for the Presidency. A key figure in the Diomaye Président coalition, he replaced Ousseynou Ly, who was seen as a close ally of Ousmane Sonko. In the aftermath of his dismissal, Ousseynou Ly publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the Pastef movement.
“My commitment and unwavering loyalty to the transformative vision of Pastef, under the leadership of President Ousmane Sonko, remain unshaken,” he declared. “This project, which embodies hope and ambition for a sovereign, just, and prosperous Sénégal, continues to guide our every action.”
The growing divide centers on the future of the Diomaye Président coalition. While Ousmane Sonko advocates for its dissolution, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye insists that the alliance, instrumental in securing his 2024 presidential victory, must be preserved.
These political tensions unfold against a backdrop of economic strain. The country is grappling with sluggish economic activity, a public debt nearing 132% of GDP, and multiple downgrades of its sovereign credit rating. Access to international markets has grown increasingly difficult, and the nation is awaiting a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
The unfolding events signal the gradual unraveling of a political partnership forged a decade ago. Ousmane Sonko, barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, had endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye to lead the Pastef ticket. Facing off against Amadou Ba, the former Prime Minister under Macky Sall, Bassirou Diomaye Faye secured a commanding first-round victory with over 54% of the vote.
