Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko following months of political tension between the two leaders.

The decision was announced in a decree read on national television late Tuesday, which also dissolved the country’s government.

The fallout comes amid growing concerns over Senegal’s economic challenges, including rising public debt and pressure from international lenders. During a parliamentary session earlier this week, Sonko criticised the president’s handling of the country’s financial situation, highlighting deepening divisions within the ruling administration.

Faye and Sonko were once close political allies who rose to power together ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Sonko, who was unable to contest the presidency because of a defamation conviction, backed Faye’s successful campaign.

Their alliance helped defeat former President Macky Sall and brought the ruling Pastef movement to power.

After news of the dismissal broke, supporters of Sonko reportedly gathered in the capital, Dakar, to show solidarity with the former prime minister.

The Senegalese presidency has not yet announced a replacement for the position.