Ousmane Sonko timeline (1974–present)
Updated 19 May 2026
A concise chronology of Ousmane Sonko's life and career, from his 1974 birth in Thiès to his dismissal as Prime Minister by President Faye on 22 May 2026.
This chronology summarises the key moments in Ousmane Sonko’s life and political career, from his birth in 1974 to the present.[1] The most recent entries draw on contemporary reporting.[2]
- Born in Thiès Ousmane Sonko is born in Thiès, western Senegal.
- Law degree, then ENA Earns a master's in public law (UGB), then trains at ENA Dakar as a tax inspector.
- Founds PASTEF Launches the PASTEF party.
- Dismissed from civil service Removed from the tax administration after accusing Aliou Sall of tax fraud.
- Third in presidential race Finishes third with about 15.7% of the vote.
- Adji Sarr / Sweet Beauty affair Accused in the Sweet Beauty case and arrested, triggering unrest.
- Mayor of Ziguinchor Elected mayor of Ziguinchor.
- Verdict in Sweet Beauty case Acquitted of rape but convicted of 'corrupting youth' (two years).
- Re-arrest; PASTEF dissolved Sonko is re-arrested and the government dissolves PASTEF.
- Ruled ineligible Barred from the presidential race over a defamation conviction.
- Backs Faye Endorses Bassirou Diomaye Faye under the slogan 'Diomaye moy Sonko'.
- Amnesty and release Released following an amnesty.
- Faye wins presidency Bassirou Diomaye Faye wins the presidential election.
- Sonko appointed PM Named Prime Minister of Senegal on 3 April 2024.
- PASTEF landslide PASTEF wins 130 of 165 seats in the legislative elections.
- French bases closure announced Closure of French military bases in Senegal is announced.
- 'Hidden debt' confirmed Authorities confirm previously undisclosed public debt.
- Faye–Sonko rift escalates The rift between the president and prime minister deepens.
- Electoral law clears 2029 path A signed electoral-law reform opens the way for a 2029 Sonko bid.
- Sonko dismissed as PM President Faye ends Sonko's functions and dissolves the government (decree n°2026-1128).
- El Malick Ndiaye resigns The president of the National Assembly steps down, citing 'sense of the State' and the country's higher interest.
- Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô named PM The economist, a former BCEAO director and minister of state for the Senegal 2050 agenda, succeeds Sonko.
- Sonko elected Speaker of the Assembly Elected with 132 of 133 votes, he becomes the 14th president of the National Assembly and the country's number two.
- Handover at the premiership Lô formally takes office facing Sonko and places his mandate under the signs of 'loyalty' and 'recovery'.
- Lô government formed — without PASTEF Decree n°2026-1130: 30 ministers, a merged Economy-Finance-Plan ministry. PASTEF announces it will have no minister in the government.
- First Council of Ministers President Faye sets the roadmap and demands an 'emergency plan' focused on the economy, public finances and debt.
- Sonko elected PASTEF president At the party's first ordinary congress, elected unanimously (583/583) for a six-year term.
- IMF mission returns to Dakar Led by Mercedes Vera Martin; the Lô government's first economic test. Debt estimated at ~132% of GDP.
For full context on any of these moments, start with Who is Ousmane Sonko? Biography.
Frequently asked questions
- When was Ousmane Sonko born?
- He was born on 15 July 1974 in Thiès, Senegal.
- When did Sonko become Prime Minister?
- He was appointed Prime Minister of Senegal on 3 April 2024, days after Bassirou Diomaye Faye won the presidency.
Sources
- Ousmane Sonko — Wikipedia
- Senegal president signs electoral law paving way for Sonko bid — Bloomberg