From the Republic Palace in Dakar, Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary-General of the Presidency, announced the removal of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister of Senegal. The decree also terminates the mandates of all government members.

« By Decree No. 2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has terminated the functions of Mr. Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, and consequently, those of the ministers and secretaries of state. The outgoing government members are tasked with handling current affairs », Oumar Samba Ba stated.

Tensions had escalated in recent months between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure who helped pave the way for Faye’s 2024 presidential victory after his own candidacy was blocked. Sonko had endorsed Faye as his replacement in the race against the former head of state, Macky Sall.

Details will follow