In a televised address from Dakar’s Presidential Palace, Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, announced the immediate removal of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister of Senegal. The decision extends to all government members, who are now tasked with handling current affairs until replacements are appointed.

« By Decree No. 2026-1128 dated May 22, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has terminated the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, those of all ministers and secretaries of state. Members of the outgoing government are instructed to manage current affairs until further notice », Oumar Samba Ba stated.

The announcement follows months of growing tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, his former mentor and a key opposition figure who stepped aside to allow Faye’s 2024 presidential run after Sonko was barred from contesting.