President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced a new ministerial lineup for Senegal that notably omits the Pastef party, led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The decision follows weeks of escalating tensions between the two political figures, culminating in Sonko’s recent removal from his government post and subsequent election as Speaker of the National Assembly.

The announcement came just 12 days after Sonko was dismissed from his position, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. The move has intensified uncertainty in a nation already grappling with severe financial constraints and mounting economic pressures.

In a statement released on his official channels, Sonko confirmed that his party would not participate in the new administration. The communiqué highlighted “fundamental disagreements” regarding the composition of the executive team, particularly concerning the role of the ruling majority in the government structure. Despite attempts to negotiate alternative proposals, the President did not accept them, leading to Pastef’s definitive withdrawal from the cabinet.

The new government, unveiled by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, comprises 30 ministers, with several key Pastef figures conspicuously absent. This political fracture occurs against a backdrop of economic turmoil, exacerbated by the revelation of undisclosed debt by the previous administration, which pushed Senegal’s debt-to-GDP ratio to 132% by late 2024.

Efforts to stabilize the economic situation are underway, with negotiations to resume the IMF’s $1.8 billion lending program expected to restart next week. Authorities are targeting a resolution on critical issues by June 30th to restore financial confidence and avert further economic instability.