Amidst sharp political turmoil, the President of Senegal appoints economist Lo as Prime Minister.

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

Senegal's president appointed economist Bassirou Diomène Faye Ahmedou El Aminou LoThe former president of the Senegal branch of the regional central bank BCEAO, as Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal.

In an official statement, the President congratulated the new Prime Minister, wishing him success in his new duties.

According to the president's supporters, the appointment comes in a context characterized by the new authorities' desire to continue the reforms that began since President Basiru Diomae Faye took power.

According to them, the head of state aims, through this choice, to enhance the efficiency of government work and accelerate the implementation of national priorities.

Senegalese authorities assert that this decision is part of a dynamic transformation in public administration, aimed at providing concrete solutions to the aspirations of the people, including in the areas of governance, economic development and social justice.

Therefore, she says the new Prime Minister will be responsible for coordinating government work and leading the main directions set by the President of the Republic for the benefit of Senegalese citizens and the Senegalese people.

The president dismisses Ousmane Sonko after tensions escalate.

Faye Ousmane Sonko was sacked as prime minister last Friday, after months of escalating tensions.

In March, Sonko warned that he could lead the African Patriots for Work, Morality and Fraternity of Senegal (PASTEF) party into opposition if the president deviated from the party's agenda, a threat now looming over the government's ability to pass the reforms needed to secure support from the International Monetary Fund.

Relations between Fay and Sonko, allies who came to power together in 2024, have deteriorated amid growing economic challenges related to debt and the internal fallout from the Iran war, with their relationship cooling recently despite the strength of their friendship.

The speaker of Senegal's parliament, Malik Ndiaye, announced his resignation two days after the president dismissed the government, further exacerbating the political turmoil in the West African nation.

Ndiaye, a prominent figure in the ruling PASTEF party, said on Sunday that his resignation was a personal decision, citing the "higher interest of the nation" as the reason for his departure.

During an extraordinary meeting, the parliament's bureau accepted Ndiaye's resignation and approved the request to reinstate Sonko to parliament after his dismissal as prime minister.

Senegal is experiencing sharp political upheavals.

Meanwhile, Senegalese media outlets have suggested that Ndiaye, known for his close ties to Sonko, may have resigned from his position to pave the way for Sonko's election as Speaker of Parliament.

While the position of Speaker of Parliament is the second highest position in the state hierarchy in Senegal after the presidency, the PASTEF party, led by Sonko and holding 130 out of 165 seats in Parliament, is expected to elect its leader as Speaker of Parliament during the session on May 26.

Senegal is going through a delicate financial situation after negotiations with the International Monetary Fund regarding a new aid program stalled, after public debt exceeded 130% of GDP, prompting the government to take strict austerity measures.