Opposition challenges Sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement in Senegal

A coalition of opposition lawmakers in the Senegal National Assembly has formally petitioned the Constitutional Council, demanding the annulment of the controversial decision to reinstate Ousmane Sonko as a lawmaker. The move follows the Assembly’s Bureau meeting on May 24, 2026, which greenlit his reintegration into parliament.

The opposition argues that Sonko’s reinstatement violates constitutional provisions, particularly Article 54, which prohibits simultaneous holding of ministerial and parliamentary mandates. They contend that his earlier election as Prime Minister in 2025, followed by his 2024 parliamentary victory, placed him in an incompatible position under Senegal’s governance framework. His subsequent election as Assembly President on May 26, 2026, they claim, represents a clear breach of constitutional principles and the separation of powers.

Legal battle intensifies with document requests

In their pursuit of transparency, opposition deputies sought official records through formal legal channels. On June 1, 2026, a court bailiff, acting on behalf of opposition leader Maître Abou Sall, formally requested the Assembly’s Secretary-General and First Vice-President to provide critical documents: Sonko’s reinstatement decree and the May 26, 2026 plenary session minutes. Both officials refused to comply, denying elected representatives access to public records that are constitutionally guaranteed. This obstruction, the opposition contends, undermines democratic principles and parliamentary integrity.

Appeal for constitutional intervention

The opposition coalition has urged the Constitutional Council to intervene decisively, emphasizing that no parliamentary majority is exempt from constitutional scrutiny. In their statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to defending Senegal’s constitutional order through legal and peaceful means, asserting that the rule of law must prevail over political expediency. The signatories, including prominent figures like Daouda Dia, Aïssata Ousmane Diallo, and Mamadou Diaw, have vowed to uphold democratic norms regardless of political pressure.

The Constitutional Council now faces a critical test in resolving this constitutional crisis, which has exposed deep divisions within Senegal’s political landscape.