Senegal president sacks PM Sonko, dissolves government after months of friction
Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government on Friday in Senegal. A statement read on state media said all ministers were dismissed, with the outgoing government tasked with handling day-to-day affairs.
The decision follows months of growing tensions between Faye and Sonko. The International Monetary Fund froze its $1.8 billion lending program with Senegal following the discovery of misreported debt, pushing the country's end-2024 debt level to 132% of its economic output. Cheikh Diba told parliament Senegal expects to resume talks with the IMF in the week of June 8 and hopes to reach agreement on key points by June 30. Diba also warned the country's fuel subsidy bill could exceed its 2026 budget allocation by as much as 1.15 trillion CFA francs ($2 billion) if oil prices rise to $115 per barrel, adding that Sonko had rejected his request to raise fuel prices. Sonko had opposed any restructuring of the debt, estimated at $13 billion, which he said the IMF was advocating.
It is unclear what Sonko's next steps will be. In March, he said he would be willing to take his Pastef party out of the government and return to opposition if Faye departed from the party's agenda. Last month lawmakers overwhelmingly approved electoral code changes that could pave the way for Sonko to run for president in 2029.
Quick Summary
Senegal's President Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Sonko and dissolved the government. This move comes amid growing tensions and economic pressures - and could have significant ramifications.
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