Local officials said President Macky Sall had asked Ms Toure to stand down, after less than a year in office.
Ms Toure’s Alliance for the Republic (APR) was defeated in key cities, according to preliminary results. Discontent over economic policies contributed to the party’s poor results, correspondents say. “She was sacked. She is no longer the prime minister,” a source close to the presidency told Reuters news agency. The Senegalese Press Agency reported that Ms Toure had left the government.
Her departure opens the way for President Sall to try to speed up his reform process, aimed at creating more jobs. In March 2012, election Mr Sall defeated Abdoulaye Wade – who had been president for 12 years – promising to tackle poverty and corruption.
According to the Dakar daily Quotidian, a statement signed by the Office of the President stated: “The president just terminated the appointment of the Prime Minister. The Head of State takes this opportunity to, once again, pay tribute to Prime Minister Aminata Touré for her dedication to his side, and congratulated her for their work in the quest for a new future for the people of Senegal. The President also thanked all the members of the government for their bold commitment to their respective departments and knows they will always be available to serve the Republic.”
The cancellation of the weekly cabinet meeting on Thursday hinted at the impending decision of President Sall who met the same day with his now former prime minister.
A new prime minister and a new government are expected to be appointed this weekend at the latest.
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