Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko secures Assembly presidency in decisive vote
Just four days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from the Prime Minister’s office, Ousmane Sonko has been elected President of Senegal’s National Assembly. The parliamentary session unfolded under a cloud of political strife, with opposition legislators refusing to participate in protest.
The opposition has condemned the move as an unconstitutional power grab, intensifying the already strained relationship between the two prominent figures within the Pastef party. Despite recent disagreements with the Head of State, Sonko’s appointment received overwhelming support from his party’s lawmakers, who hold a commanding 130-seat majority in the 165-member chamber.
His election signals a dramatic resurgence in his political career, as the chamber erupted in applause from Pastef members upon confirmation of the results. Sonko now replaces El Malick Ndiaye, who stepped down from the role on Sunday.
