Just four days after being removed from his role as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected President of Senegal’s National Assembly.
The parliamentary session unfolded amid heightened political tensions, with opposition lawmakers boycotting the proceedings. Critics have labeled the move a constitutional coup, escalating the already strained relationship between Sonko and the head of state—both members of the Pastef party.
Despite the growing rift, Sonko secured overwhelming support from his party’s lawmakers, who hold a commanding majority in the chamber with 130 out of 165 seats. His election to the Assembly’s top position signals his resurgence in Senegal’s political landscape, greeted with enthusiastic applause from Pastef members upon the announcement.
The victory comes after El Malick Ndiaye tendered his resignation as Assembly President on Sunday.
