Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government amid growing political tensions and a worsening debt crisis.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government, deepening uncertainty in the West African nation amid a worsening debt crisis.
State media said all ministers were removed, with the outgoing administration directed to handle routine affairs pending a new government.
The move followed months of tensions between Faye and Sonko, once close allies who rose to power after the 2024 election. Sonko had earlier warned he could withdraw his Pastef party from government if the administration abandoned its agenda.
Senegal is currently facing economic pressure after the International Monetary Fund suspended a $1.8bn lending programme over misreported debt figures.
Reacting after his dismissal, Sonko wrote on social media, “Tonight I will sleep with a light heart in the Keur Gorgui neighbourhood.”
The crisis could complicate reforms needed for renewed IMF support and delay ongoing economic negotiations.
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