Sénégalais opposition challenges Sonko’s assembly reinstatement

Opposition lawmakers in the Sénégal National Assembly have formally petitioned the Constitutional Council, demanding it invalidate the May 24, 2026 decision reinstating Ousmane Sonko as a deputy. They argue the move breaches constitutional provisions and undermines parliamentary integrity.

In a strongly worded statement, the legislators accuse the Assembly Bureau of overstepping its authority by restoring Sonko’s mandate despite his prior resignation under constitutional incompatibility rules. They emphasize that Article 54 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits holding dual executive and legislative roles, a principle Sonko allegedly violated by retaining his Prime Ministership while reclaiming his parliamentary seat.

The opposition coalition asserts that Sonko’s subsequent election as Assembly President on May 26, 2026, further compounds the constitutional breach, creating an untenable conflict of powers. They warn that without judicial intervention, this action could set a dangerous precedent for unchecked institutional overreach.

Legal hurdles emerged when opposition deputies sought critical documents—including Sonko’s reinstatement decree and the May 26 plenary session minutes—via court-issued summons. However, both the Secretary-General and First Vice-President of the Assembly refused to provide these public records, citing procedural objections. The deputies condemned this refusal as a deliberate obstruction of democratic transparency and legislative oversight.

The signatories, led by prominent opposition figures such as Daouda Dia, Aïssata Ousmane Diallo, and Thierno Alassane Sall, vowed to pursue all legal avenues to uphold constitutional supremacy. Their petition underscores a broader commitment to defending Sénégal’s democratic framework, asserting that no parliamentary majority should be exempt from constitutional accountability.

List of opposition deputies who endorsed the constitutional challenge:

• Daouda Dia
• Aïssata Ousmane Diallo
• Amadou Diallo
• Raqui Diallo
• Mamadou Diaw
• Salimata Diop Dieng
• Mbaye Dione
• Thérèse Faye
• Barane Fofana
• Cheikh Omar Hann
• Birima Mangara
• Abdou Mbow
• Fabineta Ndiaye
• Anta Babacar Ngom
• Thierno Alassane Sall
• Maguette Sène
• Abdoulaye Sylla
• Tafsir Thioye