The leader of Senegal’s PASTEF movement, Ousmane Sonko, has strongly condemned a legal challenge launched by opposition and independent lawmakers to reverse his reinstatement in the National Assembly. Speaking to reporters, he framed the move as part of a calculated political conspiracy aimed at derailing his return to parliament.

« Their maneuvers are deliberate and calculated, » Sonko declared. « The referral to the Constitutional Council follows the same pattern. Those behind this lawsuit were fully aware it falls outside the Council’s jurisdiction. » He further accused his rivals of weaponizing state institutions for short-term political gains, warning them against manipulating constitutional processes.

At the center of this legal dispute is Article 54 of Senegal’s constitution, which opponents cite to demand the annulment of Sonko’s parliamentary mandate. A group of legislators, in a statement issued on June 1, 2026, announced they had petitioned the highest court to overturn the Assembly’s Bureau decision from May 24, which reinstated Sonko as an elected member.

The challengers argue that his reinstatement violates constitutional provisions, claiming Sonko was ineligible from the moment he was elected in 2024, citing his prior appointment as Prime Minister. In response, Sonko delivered a resolute and defiant message: « If they choose to wield state power as a weapon against us, we will deploy every constitutional tool at our disposal to defend our rights and uphold justice. »

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst