Senegal’s Ousmane Sonko secures National Assembly presidency after court ruling

The Senegalese Constitutional Council has upheld Ousmane Sonko’s position as president of the National Assembly, dismissing a challenge from the opposition on jurisdictional grounds. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

Sonko was removed from his role as prime minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in late May, but quickly reclaimed his parliamentary seat and was subsequently elected to lead the legislative body.

The court’s decision solidifies his hold over the country’s legislature and bolsters his political clout.

Once close allies, Faye and Sonko now find themselves at odds over economic policy and fiscal management, heralding a new chapter in Senegal’s political landscape.