Senegal: ousmane sonko’s assembly comeback sparks institutional coup claims

The Senegalese National Assembly is set to deliberate on Tuesday, May 26, the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as a deputy. This pivotal move could pave the way for him to assume the leadership of the nation’s Parliament. However, the political opposition has vehemently accused the ruling majority of orchestrating an «institutional coup d’état», raising significant concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

Swift political resurgence following dismissal 

Following his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye last Friday, after months of escalating tensions within the highest echelons of government, Ousmane Sonko appears poised for a rapid political comeback. The Parliament has been summoned for a session on Tuesday morning to vote on his «reintegration» as a deputy, which would precede the election of a new National Assembly president. This development follows Sunday’s resignation of El Malick Ndiaye, a close ally of Sonko and the former head of the institution, effectively clearing the path for the ex-Prime Minister. Sonko’s party, Pastef, commands a substantial majority, holding 130 out of 165 seats in the Assembly.

Opposition challenges institutional process 

However, the leading opposition coalition maintains that this proposed reintegration fails to adhere to established institutional protocols. During a press conference held on Monday, Deputy Aïssata Tall Sall sharply criticized the move, labeling it an «institutional coup d’état» and an assertive «forcing» by the presidential majority. She argued that Ousmane Sonko should have formally relinquished his Prime Ministerial duties before any official reinstatement as a deputy, even on a temporary basis. Consequently, the opposition is now urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to refer this legal dispute to the Constitutional Council for a definitive ruling, highlighting concerns over African governance.

A strained relationship with Bassirou Diomaye Faye 

Ousmane Sonko, having been barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, had previously endorsed his close ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to represent the Pastef party. Mr. Faye’s subsequent victory in the presidential race brought to power a dynamic duo, enjoying widespread popularity, particularly among Senegal’s youth. Nevertheless, over recent months, discernible differences began to emerge between the two leaders, culminating in Mr. Sonko’s dismissal just last Friday. This ongoing political narrative is closely watched across the continent news landscape.