Ousmane sonko elected Senegal assembly speaker after prime minister exit

Just four days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from the position of Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko secured a decisive victory in the elections for the presidency of Senegal’s National Assembly.

The parliamentary session unfolded amid heightened political tensions, with opposition legislators notably absent from the proceedings. They have labeled the process as a ‘constitutional coup’, escalating concerns over the erosion of democratic checks and balances.

Despite recent public rifts between Ousmane Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former Prime Minister received overwhelming backing from his party’s parliamentarians. With 130 seats out of 165 in the Assembly, the Pastef holds an overwhelming majority, ensuring Sonko’s smooth election.

His ascension to the Assembly’s top post underscores his resurgence in Senegal’s political landscape. As the results were announced, legislators from the Pastef erupted in cheers, celebrating the moment as a triumph for their movement.

Ousmane Sonko now takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who resigned from the position on Sunday.