Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has sacked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, dissolved the nations after tension began to arise.
The announcement has shocked many as the country is also navigating political transitions, economic pressure and a public debt of 132% of its GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In an announcement made to the public on the television, the presidential aide said Faye, “Ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko… and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
Sonko, a charismatic figure, transformed the government after his polarizing personality in Senegalese politics, made reconciliation difficult as he attempted to balance the act by presidency. His appointment was initiated by bold attempts to bridge divisions, yet tensions persisted due to disagreement over policy direction and governance style.
Sonko’s rejection was followed by parliamentary session on Tuesday that openly criticizing President Faye. Hundreds of students demonstrated on the streets of Dakar, declaring they would support Prime Minister Sonko.