Ousmane Sonko accuses opposition of political plot over parliament reinstatement

In a bold response to the opposition’s latest move, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, has denounced what he calls a deliberate political conspiracy aimed at blocking his reinstatement as a member of parliament. The constitutional council has been seized by a coalition of opposition deputies and independents, who argue that Sonko’s return to the National Assembly violates constitutional provisions.

Speaking to the press, Sonko minced no words, labeling the opposition’s actions as dangerous manipulations of state institutions. “The timing and targeting of this move reveal a clear political agenda,” he stated. “Those behind this legal maneuver knew full well that the Council lacks the authority to rule on this matter.”

The dispute centers on Sonko’s reinstatement by the National Assembly Bureau on May 24, following his election as a deputy in 2024. Opposition figures claim his eligibility was compromised due to his prior role as Prime Minister, citing Article 54 of the Constitution, which prohibits certain public office holders from simultaneously serving as parliamentarians. Sonko dismisses these claims as baseless, insisting they stem from political motivations rather than legal merit.

In a stern warning, Sonko vowed to defend his mandate using all constitutional means available. “If they resort to state power to obstruct justice, we will deploy every legal tool at our disposal to counter their tactics,” he declared. His remarks underscore the escalating tensions between his party and the opposition, which has intensified since the announcement of his parliamentary comeback.

The opposition’s communiqué, dated June 1, 2026, explicitly demands the annulment of Sonko’s reinstatement, accusing the National Assembly of overstepping its authority. The legal battle now hinges on whether the constitutional council will entertain a case that critics argue was never within its jurisdiction to begin with.