Just four days after being removed from his post as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected President of Senegal’s National Assembly.
The parliamentary session unfolded amid political tensions, with opposition lawmakers choosing to boycott the proceedings entirely. Critics swiftly condemned the move, labeling it a constitutional coup that undermines democratic norms.
Despite recent public disagreements between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former Prime Minister secured overwhelming support from his party’s lawmakers. With 130 out of 165 seats in the chamber, Pastef’s dominance ensured Sonko’s swift election to the Assembly’s top position.
His victory marks a dramatic comeback in Senegalese politics, greeted with enthusiastic applause from his party colleagues upon the announcement of the results.
Sonko now takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who tendered his resignation just two days prior.
