Just four days after being removed from the Prime Minister’s office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko secured a decisive victory on Tuesday, claiming the leadership of Senegal’s National Assembly.
The parliamentary session unfolded under a cloud of political tension, with opposition lawmakers choosing to stay away in protest. Critics have labeled the transition as an unconstitutional power grab, escalating concerns over democratic backsliding.
Despite recent rifts between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the PASTEF party—the former premier received overwhelming backing from his party’s MPs. With a commanding majority of 130 out of 165 seats, the PASTEF bloc ensured his swift elevation to the Assembly’s top position.
Sonko’s election signals his resurgence as a dominant force in Senegalese politics. Delegates from his party erupted in cheers as the results were announced, underscoring the strong internal support behind his leadership.
He takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who tendered his resignation earlier in the week.
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