Senegal president replaces PM with finance expert

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed veteran economist Ahmadou Al Aminou as the country’s new prime minister following the dramatic dismissal of former ally Ousmane Sonko amid mounting political tensions, as reported by FRANCE 24 with agencies on May 26th.

The appointment, announced on May 25th, comes as Senegal struggles with a worsening financial crisis and a national debt burden estimated at 132 percent of gross domestic product. In a presidential decree, Faye described Al Aminou as an experienced financial expert capable of guiding the West African nation through its economic difficulties.

Al Aminou, a former official at the Central Bank of West African States, said in his first statement that Senegal remained “a safe and viable country” despite its challenging financial position. He added that the government’s priorities would continue to focus on integrity, transparency, and economic sovereignty.

The reshuffle marks a major turning point in Senegalese politics. Faye and Sonko rose to power together in 2024 under the Pastef party, campaigning on promises to tackle corruption and revive the economy. However, disagreements over how to address the country’s debt crisis reportedly caused divisions between the two leaders.

While Faye is believed to favor negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a new aid program, Sonko has advocated for a more nationalist economic strategy less dependent on international institutions.

Political tensions intensified further after parliament prepared to vote on reinstating Sonko as a lawmaker and potentially electing him speaker of the National Assembly. Opposition leaders condemned the move, calling it an “institutional coup” and questioning its legality.

Despite his dismissal as prime minister, Sonko remains one of Senegal’s most influential political figures, particularly among younger voters. Recent electoral reforms could also allow him to run for president in the future, raising the possibility of a political rivalry between the former allies.

The developments have created uncertainty in one of West Africa’s most closely watched democracies as the government attempts to stabilize both the economy and the political landscape.

FRANCE 24 with agencies, Maghrebi.org