The Constitutional Council of Sénégal has ruled it lacks the authority to hear a legal challenge filed by opposition groups contesting the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to the National Assembly—and his subsequent election as its president on May 26.
This decision closes the door on further opposition-led proceedings aimed at challenging the legitimacy of Sonko‘s return to parliament and his ascent to the assembly’s top position. Critics had argued that his reinstatement violated internal parliamentary rules, labeling the move an “institutional coup d’état.”
Sonko’s rapid political comeback
Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, which holds a commanding majority in parliament, was removed from his post as Prime Minister before being reinstated as a deputy. He then secured the presidency of the National Assembly, a position that grants him significant influence over national policy.
The opposition had strongly resisted Sonko‘s return, claiming his reinstatement violated parliamentary procedures. They argued that he should have resigned from his prime ministerial role before reclaiming his seat in the assembly—a step they believed was mandatory under the rules.
No further legal recourse for opponents
Following the Council’s ruling, the opposition’s legal avenues have been exhausted. Sonko, who was barred from running in the March 2024 presidential election, was appointed Prime Minister in April 2024 after his close ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, won the presidency.
As the lead candidate for Pastef in the November 2024 legislative elections, Sonko‘s party secured 130 out of 165 parliamentary seats. However, he initially stepped down from his parliamentary mandate to remain in government. His return to the assembly has since sparked intense political debate.
Opposition cries foul over parliamentary maneuvers
Opposition lawmaker Abdou Mbow had previously condemned the situation, stating, “We will not take part in this charade.” Critics insist that Sonko—having already lost his parliamentary seat—should not be allowed to reclaim it without first resigning from his government role.
With the Constitutional Council’s decision, Sonko remains firmly in control of the National Assembly, positioning him to exert significant counterbalance against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his former ally with whom relations have since deteriorated.
