DAKAR, Senegal — A former banking executive has been chosen to lead Senegal’s government after the country’s president dismissed his previous prime minister last week amid mounting political tensions and economic difficulties.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced through a televised statement on Monday his selection of Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo to serve as the nation’s new head of government, taking over from Ousmane Sonko.
The dismissal of Sonko occurred on Friday following several months of growing friction between the former prime minister and the president. This action led to the complete dissolution of the government as all ministers submitted their resignations.
Lo brings extensive financial experience to his new role, having previously worked as an executive with the Central Bank of West African States where he helped develop monetary and economic strategies across the region. He also held positions as state minister to the president and secretary-general under Sonko’s administration.
The relationship between Faye and Sonko had deteriorated over recent months due to disagreements on major policy decisions, particularly regarding discussions with the International Monetary Fund about potential loan arrangements. In May, Faye publicly stated that Sonko’s continued employment depended on his job performance.
Both leaders previously worked together within the political party Pastef, which stands for Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Éthique et la Fraternité in French.
The party gained control following the March 2024 parliamentary elections after campaigning against the incumbent Alliance pour la République party, amid widespread concerns that former President Macky Sall might exploit a 2016 constitutional amendment to extend his time in office.
Due to a defamation conviction confirmed by Senegal’s highest court and subsequent rejection by the Constitutional Court, Sonko was prohibited from seeking the presidency. Faye stepped in as the party’s candidate and later named Sonko as prime minister after winning the election.
