From dismissal to potential speaker: Sonko’s rapid political comeback

Just days after being relieved of his duties as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko stands on the cusp of a dramatic political resurgence. The National Assembly is scheduled Tuesday morning to vote on his reinstatement as a deputy. This move precedes the election of a new parliamentary president. On Sunday, El Malick Ndiaye, a close ally of Sonko and current president of the Assembly, resigned, clearing the path for the former head of government. Sonko’s party, Pastef, commands an overwhelming majority with 130 seats out of 165 in the Assembly.

Opposition cries foul over procedural irregularities

The main opposition coalition argues that Sonko’s reinstatement bypasses established institutional procedures. Speaking at a press conference Monday, lawmaker Aïssata Tall Sall condemned the move as an institutional coup, accusing the ruling majority of strong-arming the process. According to her, Sonko should have formally resigned from his ministerial post before any parliamentary reinstatement, even if temporary. The opposition is now urging President Faye to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council to resolve the legal dispute.

Fractures emerge in the Sonko-Faye alliance

Ousmane Sonko’s path to the 2024 presidential election was blocked following a defamation conviction. He subsequently backed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the Pastef candidate. Faye’s victory ushered in a presidency characterized by strong support among Senegal’s youth. However, tensions between the two leaders have escalated over recent months, culminating in Sonko’s dismissal last Friday.