The Senegalese National Assembly is poised to consider the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as a deputy this Tuesday, May 26. This crucial step could pave the way for his ascension to the presidency of the Parliament. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, which alleges that the ruling majority is orchestrating an “institutional coup.”
A rapid return to prominence following dismissal
After being dismissed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye last Friday, following several months of growing tensions within the state’s highest echelons, Ousmane Sonko appears set for a swift political comeback. The Parliament has been convened for Tuesday morning to vote on his “reintegration” as a deputy, a necessary precursor to electing a new president for the National Assembly. This path was cleared on Sunday when El Malick Ndiaye, a close associate of Sonko and the current president of the institution, tendered his resignation. Sonko’s Pastef party commands a significant majority in the Assembly, holding 130 out of 165 seats.
Opposition challenges the procedure
Nevertheless, the primary opposition coalition maintains that this reintegration process contravenes established institutional regulations. During a press conference held on Monday, Deputy Aïssata Tall Sall vehemently condemned the situation, labeling it an “institutional coup” and an act of “forcing” by the presidential majority. She argued that Ousmane Sonko should have formally resigned from his duties as Prime Minister before being officially reinstated as a deputy, even if on a temporary basis. The opposition is now urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to refer the legal dispute to the Constitutional Council for a definitive ruling.
A relationship now strained with Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Having been barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, Ousmane Sonko had nominated his ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to represent the Pastef party. Faye’s subsequent election to the presidency marked the rise to power of a dynamic duo, enjoying widespread popularity, particularly among Senegal’s youth. However, as the months progressed, discernible differences began to emerge between the two leaders, ultimately culminating in Sonko’s dismissal from his prime ministerial post last Friday.
