Sonko’s rapid political comeback after dismissal

Dismissed from office last Friday by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye amid escalating tensions at the apex of the state, Ousmane Sonko appears set to make a swift political resurgence. Parliament is scheduled to convene Tuesday morning to ratify his reinstatement as a deputy before electing a new Speaker of the National Assembly. On Sunday, El Malick Ndiaye—Sonko’s ally and current Assembly president—stepped down, clearing the path for the former head of government. The Pastef party, led by Sonko, commands a commanding majority with 130 seats out of 165.

Opposition challenges the legality of the process

The primary opposition coalition argues that Sonko’s reinstatement bypasses established institutional protocols. Speaking at a press briefing Monday, Deputy Aïssata Tall Sall labeled the maneuver a “constitutional coup” and accused the presidential majority of “strong-arming the process.” She contends that Sonko should have formally resigned as Prime Minister prior to any consideration of reinstatement, even a temporary one. The opposition has urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council for definitive legal resolution.

Growing rift between Sonko and President Faye

Sonko, barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a conviction for defamation, had backed his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye to carry the Pastef banner. Faye’s subsequent victory marked the ascent of a youth-driven political tandem that swept to power on a wave of popular enthusiasm. Yet tensions between the two men have since intensified, culminating in Sonko’s dismissal last Friday.