Ousmane sonko secures presidency of Senegal’s national assembly after prime ministerial exit

Just four days after being removed from the position of Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected as the new President of Senegal’s National Assembly.

The parliamentary session, which saw opposition lawmakers boycott the proceedings, unfolded amid escalating political tensions. Critics have labeled the transition as a ‘constitutional coup,’ highlighting the abrupt shift in leadership.

Despite recent disagreements between Ousmane Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former Prime Minister secured overwhelming support from his party’s parliamentarians. The Pastef holds a commanding majority in the assembly with 130 out of 165 seats, ensuring his victory.

His election to the helm of the legislative body signals his resurgence as a key figure in Senegal’s political landscape. Upon the announcement of the results, Sonko was greeted with enthusiastic applause from his party’s deputies.

He takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who resigned from the position on Sunday.