Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He also dissolved the government on Friday. This significant political change happens as Senegal faces serious economic challenges. The country is dealing with a growing debt problem. It is also in the midst of difficult discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
A statement was read on state television. It confirmed the dismissal of all ministers. The outgoing government will continue with daily tasks. This decision follows months of disagreements between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko. Mr. Sonko, a popular political figure, had supported Mr. Faye’s election run. This occurred after Mr. Sonko himself was unable to run for president.
Senegal's economy is under considerable pressure. The IMF has paused a lending program worth $1.8 billion. This pause came after incorrect information about the country's debt was found. End-of-year debt levels for 2024 reached 132% of Senegal's total economic output. President Faye’s action could delay a new agreement with the IMF. Such an agreement is crucial for the country's economic recovery.
Earlier on Friday, before the dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba spoke to parliament. He stated that Senegal expected to restart IMF talks in the week of June 8. He also hoped for an agreement on key points by June 30. Mr. Diba warned that fuel subsidies could exceed the 2026 budget by as much as 1.15 trillion CFA francs. This is about $2 billion. This would happen if oil prices reached $115 per barrel. He also mentioned that Mr. Sonko had refused his request to raise fuel prices.
Mr. Sonko had voiced opposition to debt restructuring. He believed the IMF was pushing for it. The total debt is estimated at $13 billion. President Faye has been less clear on this issue. Mr. Sonko was a prominent opposition leader under the previous president, Macky Sall. Mr. Sall's decision to postpone the 2024 election caused unrest. President Faye and Mr. Sonko were both former tax officials. They spent time in jail before the 2024 election. They were released shortly before the election.
President Faye won the election with 54% of the vote. He then appointed Mr. Sonko as prime minister. Now that Mr. Sonko is out of his position, his political future is uncertain. In March, he indicated he might lead his Pastef party out of the government. This would happen if President Faye strayed from the party’s agenda. This fueled speculation that their power struggle was difficult to resolve. The Pastef party holds a majority in the National Assembly. This means they could make passing necessary reforms harder. These reforms are needed to secure IMF support.
Mr. Sonko championed key initiatives. One was an audit of Senegal's resource contracts. This included deals for its developing oil and gas sector. In March, Mr. Sonko deemed a BP gas contract unfair. He revoked about 71 mining licenses. He argued that renegotiating these oil and gas deals would lower local energy prices. He also believed it would help Senegal's finances.