Ousmane sonko elected as Senegal’s national assembly president

Just four days after his removal as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has secured a new role at the helm of Senegal’s National Assembly.

The parliamentary session unfolded amidst political tensions, with opposition lawmakers staging a boycott. Critics have condemned the move as an unconstitutional power grab, intensifying the already heated political climate.

Despite recent disagreements between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former Prime Minister received overwhelming support from his party’s lawmakers. Pastef holds a commanding majority in the Assembly, controlling 130 of the 165 seats.

Sonko’s election as Assembly President signals his swift return to the forefront of Senegal’s political landscape. As the results were announced, his party colleagues erupted in applause, celebrating his new position.

He takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who stepped down from the role on Sunday.