Senegal’s president sacks Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko amid political shake-up

The official announcement confirmed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, thereby dissolving the entire cabinet, including ministers and state secretaries. The decision was broadcast live on national television, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

Word of the dismissal reached the public mere hours after the outgoing Prime Minister addressed lawmakers during a heated parliamentary session. His remarks, delivered in response to urgent questions from legislators, appeared to have sealed his fate.

Minutes after the presidential decree was made public, Ousmane Sonko took to X to share his reaction. In a brief but poignant post, he expressed relief, stating that he would rest peacefully in Keur Gorgui that evening.