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 political tensions, with opposition lawmakers staging a boycott. Critics are framing the move as an unconstitutional power grab, intensifying the already heated debate over governance in the country.
Despite recent friction between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former Prime Minister secured overwhelming support from his party’s legislators, who hold a commanding majority with 130 out of 165 seats in the chamber.
His election to lead the legislative body signals a dramatic resurgence in Sonko’s political career. Upon the announcement of the results, lawmakers from the Pastef bloc erupted in cheers, underscoring the unity behind his leadership.
Sonko takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who tendered his resignation earlier in the week.
