Senegal President Diomaye Faye Dismisses Sonko and Cabinet

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government on Friday, a move that follows months of escalating tensions between the former political allies. The decision was announced in a late-night broadcast by Oumar Samba Ba, the secretary-general of the presidency, who stated that all ministers were dismissed and the outgoing cabinet would handle day-to-day affairs until a new government is formed.

The dismissal culminates a period of open confrontation between Faye and Sonko, both members of the Pastef party, which came to power after winning the March 2024 election. Sonko, a charismatic opposition leader with strong youth support, had been barred from running for president due to a defamation conviction. He instead backed Faye's candidacy, and after Faye's victory with 54 percent of the vote, Sonko was appointed prime minister.

In a social media post following the announcement, Sonko wrote, "Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui neighborhood," referencing his private residence.

The political split occurs as Senegal faces significant economic challenges. The International Monetary...