Sema Fonkem 28 May 2026
On May 22, 2026 the dismissal of Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousane Sonko, who served under the newly created and beloved Senegalese administration headed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, caught Africans across the globe off guard.
Why the surprise?
Faye and Sonko were friends who played a major role in establishing the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) political party, while also working as tax inspectors. Although Sonko founded the party in 2014 while Faye joined later as Secretary General, the two men shared a simple goal: to free Senegal from former president Macky Sall’s grip.
Faye and Sonko’s desire to reform a better Senegal grew greater after PASTEF was banned from political activities by the Ministry of Interior and Public Security in 2023, and the two freedom fighters were imprisoned by Sall’s administration.
During this time, citizens of Senegal were dealing with hardship and corruption. By September 2025, unemployment rate was at an estimated 19.2%. These issues demonstrated that Senegals’s composed and cultured politics benefited France and the elites, but not the people.
Sonko and PASTEF members were sharply critical of France’s position in Senegal and Africa as a whole. As result, PASTEF became the beacon of hope for the vast majority of young Senegalese citizens.
Sonko became too powerful and popular, and the Supreme Court prevented him from standing for president in 2024 after he was found guilty of slander.
When Sonko could no longer compete for president, he nominated Faye to run in the March 2024 presidential election, which Faye won on April 02, 2024.
After winning the votes and affection of Senegalese civilians, Faye appointed Sonko as prime minister, which doubled Faye’s respect across Africa and diaspora.
Faye and Sonko who had become Africa’s most admired leaders in 2024 went on to discredit Sall’s governance by conducting a review of the state accounts and exposed a 13$ billion debt incurred during Sall’s regime.
Everyone applauded Faye and Sonko’s ambition to lead Senegal to better days.
Rift Behind closed doors
Faye and Sonko’s relationship in the boardroom was deteriorating due to disagreements over fresh ideas and financial problem-solving strategies.
While Faye chose a pragmatic approach to engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and attempted to negotiate payment terms for Senegal’s 132% debt against its approximately $36 billion GDP, Sonko, who built his reputation as an anti-West figure, saw Faye as soft.
According to Sonko, the IMF’s intervention in Senegal’s financial issues would result in the country losing its financial and economic independence.
Former Finance Minister Cheikh Diba’s requests for a fuel price increase were denied by Sonko, who opposed IMF-mandated structural reforms to protect disadvantaged communities.
Sonko’s actions were harming Faye’s leadership image, as many Senegalese citizens saw him as weak for sucking up to the West and always hanging out with Macron.
Sonko’s downfall
President Faye could no longer tolerate Sonko’s anti-Western actions and used his authority as Head of State to pick a new Prime Minister. While speaking from the presidential palace, Faye informed the public that the Prime Minister was appointed by decree and could be sacked if there were trust concerns.
Sonko’s dismissal
Senegal’s Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, indicated in an address to parliament on Friday, May 22, 2026, that the government will resume talks with the IMF and expects to reach an agreement by June 30.
Diba also advised the parliamentarians in the chamber that Senegal’s fuel subsidy bill would exceed its budget allocation by $2 billion if global oil prices rose by $115.00 per barrel. He informed parliament that Sonko had rejected his request to raise fuel prices.
Just few hours later, the presidency’s Secretary-General, Oumar Samba Ba announced that the president had dismissed Sonko and other cabinet ministers.
On the same day, a large crowd gathered outside Sonko’s house to pledge allegiance. He welcomed president Faye’s decision via a Facebook post.
On May 25, 2026, president Faye appointed former regional central bank official Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as prime minister, after dismissing Sonko amid rising tensions that threatened reforms tied to crucial IMF support.
In an unexpected turn of events, National Assembly Speaker El Malick Ndiaye resigned on May 24, 2026, and legislators held a special parliamentary session on May 26, 2026 and elected Sonko as the new Speaker of parliament.
Sonko’s PASTEF party holds majority seats in the National Assembly, therefore Faye will have to establish a new political organisation where he can continue to serve as the country’s leader.
Senegal, one of Africa’s most coveted political systems, has cast doubts on modern-day politics when president Faye and close friend Sonko parted ways.
Many people on social media say Faye betrayed Sonko’s confidence and cannot be trusted to lead the country forward, while others believe Faye’s policies are in the best interests of the nation.
For collaborations, email semafonkem@critiqueafrica.com