Political opposition challenges Sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement

Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, has strongly condemned the recent move by opposition lawmakers and unaffiliated deputies to challenge his reinstatement as a member of the National Assembly. The legal challenge, filed with the Constitutional Council, has been denounced by Sonko as a politically motivated maneuver designed to obstruct his political career.

« This is nothing short of political scheming and conspiracy, » Sonko declared, pointing to what he views as a deliberate misuse of state institutions. He emphasized that the opponents behind this action were fully aware that the matter falls outside the Constitutional Council’s jurisdiction.

Expressing deep concern over the apparent weaponization of state institutions, Sonko issued a stern warning: « If they resort to state power to undermine us, we will deploy every constitutional means at our disposal to defend our rights. »

The controversy stems from a May 24 decision by the National Assembly Bureau to reinstate Sonko as a deputy, following his earlier removal. Opposition lawmakers and unaffiliated deputies argue that this decision violates the Constitution, citing Article 54, which prohibits certain public office holders from simultaneously serving as parliamentarians. They contend that Sonko’s appointment as Prime Minister in 2024 and his subsequent election as a deputy created an irreconcilable conflict of interest.