Senegal President Faye dismisses Sonko, dissolves cabinet amid IMF debt crisis

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the entire government, a move that signals a significant rupture within the ruling coalition and risks destabilising ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The announcement was delivered via a decree read on state television by presidential aide Oumar Samba Ba on Friday, confirming that all ministers and secretaries of state have been removed from their duties.

The dissolution follows months of growing tensions between the two former allies, who were both jailed ahead of the 2024 election due to a defamation conviction. Following their release, Faye won the presidential election with 54 percent of the vote and appointed Sonko as prime minister. However, the partnership has deteriorated, with Faye publicly criticising Sonko in early May for "excessive personalisation" within the ruling Pastef party and asserting that the prime minister’s position depended entirely on the president’s confidence.

The political shift occurs against a backdrop of severe economic pressure, with Senegal’s debt levels reaching 132 percent of economic output by the end of 2024. The IMF froze a $1.8 billion lending programme after discovering misreported debt hidden by the previous administration under President Macky Sall. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba had indicated earlier on Friday that the government expected to resume talks with the IMF in the week of June 8, with a target to reach an agreement on key points by June 30.

Sonko’s removal complicates the legislative landscape, as Pastef dominates the National Assembly. The party’s withdrawal from the government could hinder the passage of reforms required to secure IMF support. Sonko, a charismatic figure with a strong youth following known for pan-Africanist rhetoric, had previously stated in March that he was willing to take his party out of the government and return to opposition if Faye deviated from the party’s agenda.

The outgoing cabinet has been tasked with managing day-to-day administrative affairs until a new government is formed. The move raises questions about the stability of Senegal’s governance structure, particularly as politicians recently approved electoral code changes that could pave the way for Sonko to run for president in 2029. It remains unclear what steps Sonko will take next following his dismissal.