Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in a major shakeup of the administration.
The dissolution affects several other senior officials, according to a statement read by Oumar Samba Ba, Secretary General of the Presidency.
Ba said the President “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
No reason was given for the development but Faye and Sonko have been at loggerheads in recent months over governance, economic policy, and party control, among other issues.
The former political allies joined forces under the PASTEF (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity), a party which rose to power two years ago following a massive youth support.
Faye appointed Sonko as Prime Minister on April 2, 2024, the same day he was inaugurated as President. Both men were seen together this week when they hosted some students at Presidential Palace.
Faye affirmed his authority in a recent televised interview. “I am the President and Sonko is Prime Minister. If he no longer satisfies me, I will appoint another PM,” he declared.
